People all over the world have there diverse sports, countries like Europe and Africa have Futbol or Soccer. here in America we have our sport of football, now i know some people might say that baseball is "America's Pastime" but if you look into the truth, in fact more people tuned into last years Super Bowl than last years World Series. People ranging from young to old, tune in every Sunday to the different games of the "NFL". The reason people love it is because of the excitement , the last second drives to win the game, the athletisism of the highly paid players, the pastime of the game, the "win or go home" attitude of the playoffs and last but not least the all season anticipated "Super Bowl". These reasons and more support the fact that "America truly loves football".

England, 3-1 to win the cup, US, 500-1 to win the cup. It would in fact surprise you to say this, but at the time, England was the kings of football, only 4 losses out of 30 after the war, this was an England side on form. For the first half, this showed, with England 6 shots on target in the first 12 minutes, and 3 succesive shots in 3 minutes, and only 1 American shot on target, England set to dominate. However, the goal came in on the 37th minute, a cross from Walter Bargh sent Joe Gaetjens into a cheeky diving header past an England player to put it out of reach of the England keeper. The second half was no different from the first, England quickly dominating, few American chances on well saved shots from American keeper Frank Borghi. In the last 8 minutes, Charlie Columbo brought down Mortensen on the edge of the penalty area, and guess what, the referee denied England the penalty (like always) and responded with a really bad free kick, and that practically ended England's world cup run. Isn't it a coincidence how the England cricket teams lost for the first time against the West Indies on the same day.

2. England 1(3)-(4)1 West Germany 1990

After England's poor start to the world cup, they gradually got better, however,with only 6 goals before the semi-final, England were crushed when they found out they had to play West Germany. With football rivalry tensing up, England were surprised to match the stronger German side, with a Lineker equaliser in the 80th minute, spirits were lifted. This led to the England side's first ever penalty shootout. This led to an embarassing shot over the bar from England.

3. England 1-2 Brazil 2002

England's qualification from the group of death and 3-0 win over Denmark gave England high hopes, even against Brazil. A brilliant through ball from Emile Heskey gave Micheal Owen a quick breakaway, beutifully chipping the ball over the Brazillian keeper's head, England was on cloud 9. Unfortunately, poor defending from Scholes and Beckham gave wonderman Ronaldinho a run which he perfectly passed to main man Rivaldo, who shot a beuty to the left of David Seaman, one all. England came out slightly rattled from Brazil's goal, and they should've been. Shortly after, a seemingly harmless 42 YARD FREE KICK, ended up into the back of the net, the curled shot completely fooled David Seaman, whose reaction to the shot, injured his back and moreorless ended his football career. Just when England was forgetting they were actually winning at one point, the ref sent his red to... RONALDINHO!!! This is England's chance to comeback, but England failed to impress as they contiued to be dominated by 10-man Brazil. For shame.

Who wants an American victory?

Obviously the vast majority of Americans will want to see a victory for the US team, something that will be a real cause for celebration as they turn the tide and establish themselves again as true Ryder Cup contenders. Interestingly, it is probably also true that there are many Europeans who also want to see America emerge victorious. Why? The simple answer is Nick Faldo.

Nick Faldo is not the most popular captain in the eyes of many inside and outside of the professional game. There is no doubt in my mind that there are numerous people associated to the game who would enjoy seeing Faldo fail as a captain for a number of reasons. Those who feel this way will no doubt say all the right things publicly about how they support the Europeans but privately they will be thinking otherwise.

Single minded approach

Those watching from the outside on this occasion, notably Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley have been heavily involved in the Ryder Cup and are now sitting at home wtaching on television. There is annoyance at Nick Faldo's single-minded approach and the fact that he has chosen only one assistant, Jose Maria Olazabal, only supports this view.

Previous captains have surrounded themselves with assistants who were experienced in dealing with the heat of the Ryder Cup and Faldo's decision to almost "go it alone" has brought some to the conclusion that the Ryder Cup for him is more of an ego trip than an attempt to play a team game. Faldo was always a loner as a player and was never viewed as a team player himself, making his task all the more difficult.

The Europeans are favorites, they have the strongest team on paper but I have a feeling the Americans with their young rookies, Boo Weekley, Anthony Kim and J B Holmes, will give Europe and Nick Faldo the shock of their lives by lifting the Ryder Cup for the USA once more.

This is crunch time for Nick Faldo the European Ryder Cup captain who tasted success as a player and is now hoping to repeat this as a captain. Nick Faldo was always a loner in the world of golf and now he faces the challenge of trying to bring players together with the kind of team spirit for which Europe have become renowned since their famous victory in 1985.

Europe are the clear favorites to lift the trophy and all the more so with the absence of Tiger Woods from team USA which only serves to add to the pressure on Nick Faldo as he tries to emulate the feats of previous captains like Tony Jacklin, Bernard Gallacher and Sam Torrance. Then again, pressure does not seem to affect Faldo as can be seen from his playing days.

Confidence

Nick Faldo and his assistant Jose Maria Olazabal will have their work cut out to beat the Americans who are possibly more dangerous as underdogs and may even find extra motivation now that Tiger is out of the picture. There will be no lack of confidence on the part of Nick Faldo and this is something he will need to convey to his team, particularly the rookies who have never experienced the pressure of this competition.

Faldo will have to blood some of these players in the early stages of the contest to ensure they are ready for the individual head-to-head battle on Sunday. No doubt, he will play his rookies alongside players who have some experience in the Ryder Cup cauldron in the hope that it will calm their nerves and instill some confidence for succeeding matches. That said, America also have a few rookies who will also be under similar pressure.

Aftermath

Whatever happens at Valhalla over the weekend, Nick Faldo will be on the back page of all the sports pages for one reason or another. If he manages to lead his team to victory he will be a hero and all his decisions will have been fully justified. Should Europe lose to the USA however, Faldo's decision to choose Ian Poulter over Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie will dominate the post match commentaries. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Americans will be much stronger than we think.

Nick Faldo had a playing career in golf that many would love to emulate and he proved himself to be a true winner. The difference on this occasion is that Faldo will have to win without lifting a golf club as he attempts to motivate his team to victory. Europe may be favorites on this occasion but this could easily backfire as the Americans set about proving they can be a force without Tiger Woods, the world's greatest player.

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South Africa has celebrated many victories over the last few years, including the fall of Apartheid and the rise of the New South Africa under the reign of the ANC (African National Congress party).

Sport plays a large role in the lives of many South Africans, and recent accomplishments in the sports arena include South Africa's rugby team, the Springboks, winning the Rugby World Cup twice.

Soccer and football fans can now look forward to a good show with the FIFA 2010 World Cup, as honed athletes from around the world battle for the trophy on the playing field.

South African nationals anticipate an economic boom during the World Cup, and an increase in the hospitality and tourist trade as a result of the games. Read more about that here.

However, South Africa has struggled in the past with crime; in airports, on the streets and in homes. The SAP, South African Police, say that they are "ready for 2010", planning to deploy more than 41,000 police officers to ensure the safety and security of the public during the World Cup. See here.

South Africa's current transport systems are not admirable in comparison to those of Europe or other First World nations such as America or Australia. Travelling to and from the games, or to and from tourist attractions may prove difficult for many visitors who plan to rely on public transport systems. Congestion on the main highways is already an issue with only the locals utilizing the roads at this time.

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South Africa has recently suffered a series of power shortages resulting in sporadic power cuts. Local communities fear they will have to suffer power outages in order for the stadiums and the surrounding areas to be lit during the games. Business owners anticipate a difficult time in which power cuts and transport struggles create a difficult working atmosphere for employees.

Plans for the 2010 Fifa World Cup are in progress. Hopefully the next two years will see a positive change within South Africa, as locals work to prepare themselves for the estimated 3 million people who will be visiting the sunny tip of Africa.

There is something so extraordinary when you walk into a stadium. It could be your first trip or your tenth, it still leaves you breathless. So much to see and experience all in one beautiful location. The smell of the different vendor's wares, calls to your senses. The products with your favorite team and players make you reach for your money without thinking twice. Then there's the actual field. Grass so green it seems to have a life of it's own. All of the sights and sounds of others cheering on your team, reminding you, that your not alone.

Whether they end the day in joyous victory or a heart wrenching loss, you leave knowing that you have witnessed history. A home run, an amazing play in center field, or a pitcher's 1, 2, 3 inning you know that you were a part of this wonderful game's history. For long after the game is over, you'll retell those stories, and relive those moments as if they had just taken place.

With all that being said, I'd have to say my love of baseball is in the pace of the game. There are no clocks, no buzzers, and no instant replay. Baseball has a specific set of events that have to take place, before the game can come to an end. An inning can go as fast or as slow as it takes to get those three outs. I find that for a lack of better words; peaceful and somewhat indulgent. I truly love setting aside time and slowing down to enjoy this game, that has become an irreplaceable part of our history, and an even bigger part of our future.

One of the most attractive aspects of the game is that anyone with a Frisbee and some time to kill can play. Those of us that play seriously have sport discs that are very aerodynamically efficient and specialized, but if you and your buddy or child both dig an old Frisbee out of the closet and go out to play, it is an even match, equipment-wise. A round usually take about two hours, at the outside, and takes you up and down hills (depending upon the local terrain), and through the woods, with plenty of time for conversation and communing with nature while you search for errant throws in the aforementioned woods. And you will throw it into the woods.

The reason I say this with such cynical certainty is that a flying disc is a wing, and flies like one. Various sports that involve using a ball as a propelled object do take aerodynamics into account, but a ball is a projectile, like a bullet. A thrown disc is subject to the same considerations as any wing, plus a few extra that involve a gyroscope. Force, spin, wind direction and speed, angle of the disc, and choice of disc all come into play. With this many factors, even the best players have the occasional errant throw.

The Golf Disc

The discs used by disc golfers are similar to the old Frisbees you used to throw at the lake the way that a Piper Cub is similar to an F-16 Fighter Jet. The Cub is user friendly and more forgiving to beginners, but of limited range and capabilities. The golf disc is fast, long range, and difficult to control. Thrown properly, they can fly a great distance, fly a curved path either right, left, or in an “S” curve, be skipped, slid (when thrown upside-down) under overhanging foliage, or rolled for even greater distances than most people can throw one.

There are many types of discs, but they break down into three basic types: long-range drivers, mid-range driver/long approach discs, and putters. Drivers are thin on the edge and cut the air very efficiently, enabling you to throw them for long distance, sometimes even in the appropriate direction. They are harder to control because of this thin edge, and the angle of the disc coming out of your hand and amount of spin are crucial to proper control.

The mid-range drivers have a higher profile (read: thicker lip) that makes them easier to control, but reduces the distance that they can be thrown. An experienced Disc Golfer can still throw one far enough to reach most holes. If they were restricted to only one disc for a round of play, a disc of this type would be most golfer's choice.

Putters most clearly resemble what most people think of as a flying disc. They are shaped like a Frisbee on steroids; the same basic profile, but thicker and made of heavier plastic. They are easy to throw and to control, but cannot be thrown for great distance. They are mainly used for short approach shots, situations where a great deal of accuracy is called for, and, of course, putting. This is the best disc for most beginners to learn the game with.

The various types of discs and their differences in flight characteristics are one of the main appeals of disc golf. Even within drivers, there are many different types. One disc will hold a straight line longer than another will before going left, or another may be more effective against a head wind. Since everyone throws a little differently, the discs react a little differently to various throwing styles. The merits of different models of discs are debated among disc golfers the way that oversized drivers, for instance, are debated about by ball golfers.

Another interesting characteristic of golf discs is that, as discs incur damage due to use and the hitting of trees, rocks, etc., their flight characteristics change. Most new discs are what we refer to as “stable.” This means that the flight path of a disc will turn toward the left when thrown with clockwise spin, and right when thrown with counter-clockwise spin. For example: A disc thrown in the traditional “backhand” manner will go left at the end of its flight. A disc thrown in the same manner with the left hand will go right. Even when the throw is angled to go in the other direction, a new disc will try to turn to its stable side. But as the discs get minor nicks and dents on the edge of the flight plane, they start to lose that stable tendency. We call this condition “beat;” meaning that you can turn the disc and it will hold a line without coming back to its native direction.

Once a disc starts to get “beat,” you can make it go from left to right with a backhand throw. Since some holes are straight, some are left to right, and some are right to left, this is a valuable quality. It means that you can get close to the pin with your strongest throw, even if the design of the hole goes against that throw's natural (stable) direction. Make a disc golfer choose between his brand new driver and his best turnover disc, and he will usually take the latter, because it is harder to replace.

The other way to reach a pin that turns in the opposite direction of your native throw is to throw sidearm (similar in motion to a sidearm baseball throw), which spins the opposite direction of a backhand. This throw is harder for most people to master than the backhand, but a very handy skill to have, both because of the change of direction of the flight, and to escape from a bad lie in the woods, where your backhand may be blocked by trees and other obstacles.

The first time that you throw a golf disc, regardless of how well you are coached otherwise, it is going to veer left and hit the ground about fifty feet in front and twenty feet to the left of you (assuming that you are right handed). This is because we were raised throwing Frisbees. This is easily corrected, and soon you will be able to get the disc in the general direction you desire. Next you will try to throw further, and in doing so will aim the disc higher, now ending up seventy-five feet away and fifty feet to the right. This is also easily corrected. To throw a golf disc further, you throw a little higher and a lot harder. It is a wing, remember? With some decent instruction and a little patience, you will be throwing for reasonable distance and accuracy fairly quickly, and much faster than it takes to get the hang of driving a golf ball.

I play with about fifteen discs in my bag. Most pros carry from ten to sixteen, but there is no maximum number. You are limited only by your ability to transport them around the course. A reasonably good round can be played with one disc, and beginners should probably start with no more than three or four. I have a slightly “beat” midrange driver that I carry in my briefcase on one-day business trips when there is little likelihood of playing, but the possibility still exists. I have found that I can play to within about four or five strokes of my average on most courses with it, and closer than that on older, shorter courses. A golf disc usually costs about seven to twelve dollars, and can be purchased at better sporting goods stores, through local clubs, from one of several mail-order distributors, and at some courses and recreational centers or park offices.

Many ball golfers go their whole life without a hole-in-one. Almost every serious amateur and virtually every professional disc golfer has at least one hole-in-one, or “ace,” to their credit. The odds of hitting a basket thirty inches wide with chains around it from three hundred feet away are statistically much higher than hitting a ball with a club into a three inch hole from 180 yards. One of our local pros is striving to match his age with his total number of aces. The count is at thirty-six and thirty-four currently.

The Course

Disc golf courses are found nationwide. There are over eleven hundred courses in about forty-five states. Most are in public parks and free to play, some require a few dollars for a parking or green fee, but none are prohibitively expensive. Because of the grassroots nature of course development, there is tremendous variation in style, length, and layout of the courses. Course designers are often competing with other sports and activities for space, and do not have the financial backing that a ball golf course commands, so creativity and adaptability are essential. The up side of this is that there are some very picturesque and unusual holes out there.

Holes on a typical disc golf course usually run about 100 to 150 yards, but this varies greatly from course to course. They may be a short as 50 yards, and longer than 300. The configuration, or “shape” of a hole may involve right turns, “S” curves, or narrow windows through trees or other obstacles through which the disc must be thrown to get near the pin in a reasonable number of strokes. Elevation plays an important part on some courses, as does water and other out-of-bounds areas. A good disc golfer can throw 100 yards with reasonable accuracy, while bringing the disc toward the pin from right or left. Many professionals can throw 150 yards or more with consistent accuracy. Think of standing on the last line of the end-zone of a football field and throwing a field goal on the other end, and it will give you some idea of the power and skill these players possess.

Disc golf is a sport for any age or gender; it provides a reasonable amount of exercise, a disproportionate amount of fun, and can be played with your children without having to hear all those insipid references to Tiger Woods. More serious play and competition is easily found, and there is tournament play for both amateurs and professionals on a local, regional, and national level. Disc Golf is a great day in the park, you don't have to be six-foot six and two-forty to play it well, and it can be played in cut-offs and tee shirts. It is relatively inexpensive, amazingly addictive, and easy to get reasonably good at. What more could you ask?

In the Augusta area we have four excellent disc golf courses; at Pendleton King Park, at Lake Olmstead, and Riverview Park in North Augusta. There is also a course in Columbia county at Patriot's Park. The courses in a given area may be found by using the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Course Guide. The Augusta Disc Golf Club may also be helpful. We welcome questions, new members, and traveling disc golfers. We also host an annual tournament whose proceeds go to Special Olympics, and welcome sponsorship from businesses or individuals.

 

Because so many of the present's youth is playing soccer, it is inevitable that a strong proportion of these kids will maintain their interest of soccer as they grow older. We are breeding a nation of soccer fanatics that could one day be on par with those of England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The reason kids love soccer so much is that it doesn't single out the weak. Chuck Klosterman, in his book Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, shares why soccer is beneficial to children: “A normal eleven-year-old can play an entire season without placing toe to sphere and nobody would even notice, assuming he or she does a proper job of running about and avoiding major collisions.” (Klosterman 88) In other sports such as baseball, basketball, and football, children's failures are on display to be seen. In basketball, when kids get fouled they are required to shoot two free throws, which Klosterman says “equates to two air balls.” (Klosterman 88) And in football, “…[children] find themselves in a situation where the people normally penalized for teasing them are suddenly urged to annihilate them.” (Klosterman 88) When all other sports serve as arenas for being picked on, soccer appeals as an alternative to the ridiculing. This eventually fosters a love of the game in the children, and creates future fans.

Detractors will argue that the MLS with not thrive because of the lack of homegrown talent. This is the exact problem that team owners have begun to address. Just last year, Los Angeles Galaxy owner Philip Anschutz spent 250 million dollars to bring in soccer superstar David Beckham. The arrival of Beckham is sure to spurn other international players to venture overseas and test the waters of the MLS. Not only with this raise the overall skill and intensity of the league, but the older European players can serve as mentors to the younger American players.

Philip Anschutz is really only paying David Beckham 25 million dollars. Sponsors are paying the other 225 million. By selling the naming rights to jersey's (Herbalife has their logo displayed on the LA Galaxy uniform) and stadiums (the LA Galaxy play in the Home Depot Center), the MLS is bringing in millions of dollars in revenue that can be spent on international all stars that are highly skilled, but were previously too expensive for MLS teams to afford.

Just as the WNBA provides inspiration to young female basketball players, the US women's national team and the transient Woman's United Soccer Association (WUSA) provide role models for young female soccer players. The women's national team has won the Women's World Cup twice, and has come in third three times. Such success brings the women's national team to the forefront of the sporting news each time, and each time it increases the awareness of soccer. Although WUSA disbanded in 2003, it is reforming in 2008 to start anew. This league combined with the rise of the MLS will result in the growth of soccer as a successful commercial sport.

The Managers

But in no particular order, here goes: the coaches (excuse me "managers") wear uniforms. Why in the hell are old, pot-bellied men whose only exercise is to occasionally run out onto the field to futilely argue a call wearing cleats and shirts with numbers? Can you not walk onto a baseball field in a suit? Hell, if dress clothes aren't your thing, wear the tacky cut off sweatshirts like the Patriots' coach Belichick. But for all that's holy and righteous in the world quit dressing like you may, at a moment's notice, need to put yourself in at shortstop.

The Players

Players, who I agree are overworked considering they play 15 games a week, are always on the injured reserve list for sissy injuries, e.g., twisted index finger, sprained piggy that went to market, etc. Why not just go on the list for being damn tired? Next, get a shot clock. The pitcher has to pitch within 20 seconds and the batter can't leave the batter's box once he steps in. I'm sick of the pitcher and hitter acting like voodoo priests who must make sure everything is in proper astrological and spiritual alignment before they can throw and hit. If Jordan can make the winning jumper with 20,000 screaming fans in his ear, you can throw the damn ball w/out worrying whether "you feel right." And batter, I don't give a damn how many times you unstrap, strap, and unstrap your batting glove, you have no better chance of hitting the ball -- which may or may not be coming depending on the vibes the overly superstitious pitcher is getting at the time.

The Umpires

Umpires, call it a ball or strike. We don't need to see the call in interpretive dance.

Stop With The Stats Already

Statisticians, take a breather. I don't care how Rodriquez's batting average is against left-handed Scorpios on Tuesday home games at night when the temperature is below 60 and it's mostly cloudy with a new moon and winds coming out of the west at 15 or below miles per hour.

The Rules and Rituals

Why is it ok to knock the ever-living shit out of the catcher when you're coming home, but you get called out if you yell "boo" at the 2nd baseman while trying to stop a double play? Why all the spitting? Why all the crotch grabbing? Why is last night's pitcher suited up? The chances of his making an appearance is somewhere between the manager going in at left field and Salma Hayek showing up at my door wondering where I've been all her life.