Jimmy Fallon Must Die

I just finished my second Nicholas Hornby book in as many weeks. First, I read Fever Pitch, and I followed that up with High Fidelity. I thought both books were extremely entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading both. Fever Pitch was a little more fun because of the football (soccer) element; but that is not a knock on High Fidelity. After reading Fever Pitch though, man I am really hateful of Jimmy Fallon. Like I really don't like that guy.

Fever Pitch has NOTHING to do with the following: Baseball, Boston Red Sox, Curses, Women, Former alcoholic child stars, washed up SNL stars, and it is certainly not a love story. I haven't seen the movie, but remarkably I have heard that it contains all of those things. Fever Pitch is the greatest explanation of fandom to the person who is not a fan. Actually, it is a great explanation of fandom even to those who are fans. Fever Pitch does a great job of breaking down why we obsess over these teams. Even if you do not follow English soccer, and you have no idea about anything that is soccer, it is ok. You can read this book and understand what Hornsby is talking about. More than explaining the psyochology of the fan, it demonstrates the need that sports fills in men. I'm not going to get all into how he does this, and I'm not going to go too deep into the great intricacies that Hornsby goes into, but I will say that if you are a man you should read this book. Non-sports fans can read it too, just substitute sports in the book with your own personal obsession. Every man has one, just sub that in for soccer. That is part of the greatness of the book, that it can resonate with any man, you do not have to be a sports nut. And if you are into music, than the next book is definitely a must-read.

High Fidelity is hysterical. It is ultra hysterical. It is also intensely frustrating, and intensely sad at points. Music fans will love the book for the obscure references, and the existence of Barry and Dick. Everybody knows at least one person like Barry (you know who you are) and that alone is reason to read the book. But even if you are not a music fan, again the book will resonate. Sure, some of the references will go over your head, just like a few in Fever Pitch may go over the non-sports fan's head; but nothing that would make you not understand the book. It is essentially a story about growing up. Men will love the book because of the way it perfectly describes every relationship you have ever been in with a girl, and it especially will hit home if you are in college or about to graduate, and are getting ready to move onto..you know..that thing. Both books were excellent, some of the most fun I have ever had reading since the 2nd grade. Pick them up anywhere, both are available in paperback and they are pretty easy reads.

8 Updates and Revisions

Few corrections from the EPL preview:
1. Ruud was sold and signed today, Real Madrid picked him up on the cheap
2. Wigan's Pascal Chimbonda is actually really good, I typed really bad, but I meant really good.
3. When I wrote Everton would prove their worth for 2008, what I was saying was that they are a really young team and will show glimmers of hope for the following year, most notably against Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby
4. I wrote that Glenn Roeder promised 7 signings. That was a bit of an exaggeration, I don't know where I pulled the number 7 from. He did promise several key signings, and a bolstering of the strike team though.
5. I'm not going to change it now, but I already deeply regret putting Man City at 7...what was I thinking?
6. I should have expounded a little more on the sickness of Tottenham's Michael Carrick, like letting you know that Tottenham have now rejected two bids from Fergie for the England midfielder.
7. Mourinho came out today and said two different things. First, he wants to be a part of Chelsea leged..nice. And second, that he doesnt need to worry about defenders. Sounds cocky, but if we have learned anything it is that we should not distrust Mr. Mourinho a.k.a. the chosen one.
8. And finally, Charlton Athletic play at The Valley not The Riverside. The Riverside is home to Middlesborough. Honestly though if those clubs were any more similar, they'd be the same.

Unprofessional, Completely Biased EPL Preview

Yes yes, one month until kickoff of the EPL. August 13 Chelsea FC will go up against Liverpool FC in the annual FA Community Shield. Chelsea will thus begin their quest for English and European dominance, and Liverpool will begin their quest of catchup (literally two sentences in and I'm already bashing LFC and pimping beloved Chelsea). I am going to try and give a comprehensive preview to the EPL, without sounding too biased. I'm also doing this with one month left of the Transfer Window, which creates a few problems. For example, will Glenn Roeder ever keep his word on bringing 'at least 7 signings' to St. James Park? Does Fergie know that the Transfer Window is open? At what point will Jose Mourinho realise that he cannot sign every superstar in the world? Who kidnapped Sam Allardyce? Does anyone reading this really know or care about what I'm talking of? Anyways, I'll try and put an attempt at doing this, but please remember that I don't know much about half of the teams in the Premiership, and that everything I say will probably be wrong on some level. I'll write as much as I can about the teams, but some teams will literally get a sentence or two, while other will get full paragraphs. Ok, on to the preview.

Relegation
These teams can all but count on the drop. After sizing up the league there are really only four teams that should be in contention to be relegated. Everyone else should be safe, then again it's never predictable, just ask Birmingham

20. Watford
Nice story coming up from the Championship. They will enjoy their time up in the top flight, Adrian Boothroyd will scream a lot and make some headlines. Other than that, don't expect them to win more than 4 games.

19. Sheffield United
I don't really care for the Blades. I prefer Sheffield Wednesday, and I don't want to see this team succeed. I don't think they're really good either, they haven't done anything during the transfer window. I looked at their history in the Premiership, they tend to come up for a year or two, than go back down for a year or two. The cycle will continue.

18. Fulham
Overplayed and overextended themselves last year. Should've been dropped but they got lucky that there was so much garbage floating around the bottom half of the league. This year will be their swansong.

17. Aston Villa
I have them avoiding relegation, but they could slip down. This team is wildly spinning out of control. As of right now, their ownership is in the air, they just fired their manager which is never good, and their players are organizing meetings to tell management that theres not enough time, money, or effort being put out. Yikes. On a positive not though, 2008 will see the Birmingham derby again...too bad it will probably be in the Championship.

Staying Alive
These teams will do enough to stay alive, but not enough to make any noise. Wouldn't like to visit them towards the end of the season if it meant anything though.


16. Portsmouth
There is a great article on soccernet.com from last season about Harry Redknapp. Before the last month of last season, a lot of people actually thought he was going to get gunned down in the streets of Portsmouth (from all accounts an awful city in the south). Anyways, the team turned alive the last month, saved themselves from relegation, and he was a hero. This picture of him is one of my favorite pictures ever. Anyways, they still aren't good, and they are really excited about trying to buy Sol Campbell. Too bad it is 2006 and not 1996 for him though.

15. Wigan Athletic
Ok, here is a pretty interesting team. I like a lot of the players on the squad. I like Paul Jewell. I like a couple of the signings they've made. Only problem is..well, they're Wigan. Also, it appears that Pascal Chimbonda wants no part of the team anymore, and he seems to be pretty bad. In all honesty I don't think I have ever seen anyone play in a Wigan uni. One last comment; they signed Emile Heskey. If you don't understand the ridiculousness of that statement, go take a look at his history. There are not many Heskey fans in England.

14. Reading
The record breaking team up from Championship. They destroyed the points record in the Championship last year, I think they had something liek 102 pts, which factors for something like 33 wins or so. I don't know anything about this team really, and I put them at 14 because I figure that they are better than the crap teams out there, but not as good as the quality teams. We will see. I read an article about them trying to get guys with World Cup experience, from smaller teams and such. I'm intrigued.

Middle of the Table
Yeah, these next few spots are basically interchangable. They are all better than the bottom rung teams, not good enough to even think about Europe next year.

13. Middlesborough
I like some of the boys on this squad a lot. I don't like the fact that their new manager is Doogie Howser. Imagine the Eric Mangini of English Soccer. They're going to struggle, and Julio Arca is no replacement for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. They were spared the embarassment of Chelsea boy Huth, who failed a physical and remains on the Chelsea roster. I hate Huth.

12. Charlton
They're going into unchartered water down at the Riverside. No Alan Curbishley to come in and finagle a winning season out of overachieving second rate footballers. I still have them finishing 12 because I think the bottom half of the table is a little weak, and I really like Darren Bent (should have gone to Newcastle!) They stole Hasselbaink from Boro, good move, he is a quality player.

11. West Ham United
The Hammers seem to be doing all right for themselves. Excellent pickup in Chelsea trash Carlton Cole. I liked him, but he had no place on the pensioners. Also gotta like Nigel Reo-Coker, and 800 year old Teddy Sheringham. They will compete like last year, and Pardew will make a move here and there, look for him to make some noise in the January Transfer Window. Besides all that though, I don't see them doing much.

10. Everton
I actually think this team could be better than this, but there are so many quality teams in the top half of the table that I don't know how I could squeeze them in, and one of the others out. I really think they have great pace, and they are a young squad that could make some noise. Count on them to prove their worth for 2008 by taking Liverpool out in the Merseyside derby.

I like you, and if you keep it up you may be going to Europe
I think the heading is self-explanatory for the next group of teams. I like something a lot about all these teams, and think they could make some noise enough to play in the 2008 UEFA Cup.


9. Bolton Wanderers
Paging Sam Allardyce, paging Sam Allardyce. Where is he?? Where are his wunderkind from Africa? Isn't he supposed to be signing some unknown from a Guatemalan village right now? No news from the Reebok this year about any signings. I'm not sure what to make of all this, it's a shame too. If you watch this team from last year, you can tell they are really on the cusp of doing something special. They just missed out on the Intertoto to Newcastle this year, I think they are two or three good Allardyce-like signings away from taking the next step. Too bad nobody knows where he is.

8. Newcastle United
Again, where are my signings?!? I don't know what to think of this team. I have only been emotionally invovled with them for a year, and in that year have seen them go from near-relegation to UEFA Cup. I have seen them flirt with Ruud, Beckham, and Bent, only to come up with nothing. I have watched and heard the testimonial of Alan Shearer, and I have watched the shattering of Michael Owen. I have been promised several signings from Roeder, but I am still waiting. Damien Duff is a great start, but Birmingham showed that without strikers, you are no good. I do not know what to make of this team. They could be good enough to play in Europe, they could face the bottom half of relegation. Glenn Roeder seems to know what he is doing, but the jury is still out. If Shola Amoebi can step up to a top role as striker, they could be one of the best teams in England. That is a big IF.

7. Manchester City
Yeah, you read that correctly. I think Stuart Pearce is excellent at his job. He really knows how to get the most out of his team. If Darius Vassell comes around, you could be talking about one of the best striker tandems in English soccer. I think this team will make enough noise, and the things will line up in place for them to make a run at Europe. I also think that the other team in Manchester will slip a little, and that always does good thing for a team's morale.

6. Blackburn
I'm putting them in the same spot they were last year. I think this team is great, pure hustle. If they get Mido, they will be getting a lethal, underpaid weapon. I'm not sure if he will play as well in Blackburn as he did for Allardyce in Bolton, but I do think he will be a great addition. They sold their two best players from last year, so that is a hit, but when you watch this team you get the feeling that those parts are very replaceable. This isn't an individuals team. They're back four also play as an excellent unit, and they are still in tact.

Competing for Champions League Qualifiers
These next three have a shot at winning the Premiership, but it isn't very likely. They are really probably going to be rotating around all season to see who gets to take 3rd and 4th, which give spots to the extremely lucrative champions league.


5. Manchester United
Two things have to be said before you get outraged at where I am putting the Red Devils. First, this is an unprofessional, completley biased guide to the EPL. I am not an expert, and I don't really care about journalistic efficiency right now. Also, IF the team goes through with the sales of Christiano Ronaldo and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, one has to think that they are going to feel somewhat of an effect. We are talking about two of the most important players on Sir Alex's squad here. Now I know he knows a bit more than me, but you can't tell me he hasn't dropped the ball big time this year. No big signings, no signings at all really. And he has had to deal with a PR meltdown because of Rooney's temper, and Ronaldo's uncanny ability to stab people in the back. With all that said, you can expect Rooney to have the best season of his career, and expect a breakthrough from fellow striker Louis Saha, you know the guy who Fergie believes can replace Ruud. And although it may seem crazy, Fergie has proved he tends to know what he's talking about. If Ruud and Ronaldo stay, this is all ridiculous and you can count on Man U to contend for the title.


4. Arsenal
I think the Arsenal youth movement will really start to payoff this year. Theo Walcott, 18, seems to have a ridiculous amount of pace, and doesn't get tired. I haven't had a chance to see his finishing ability just yet, but I assume it must be there somewhere. J.A.R. will perform at a higher level then ever, and if you saw him at World Cup off the bench, that is a good sign for Gonners. Of course they have a decent striker...what's his name? Terry something or other. Anyways, he's alright. Also, they apparently signed a goalie named Michael Jordan. If nothing else, that is damn good karma. Bad karma however for the food poisoning incident with Tottenham last year. They are playing European football this year because of a fluke incident, the football gods will not be happy.

3. Tottenham Hotspur
Speaking of youth movements and food poisoning, how excited are you if you are a Spurs fan? Jermaine deFoe is playing with a chip so large on his shoulder that it can be seen from space; Aaron Lennon is sick..too sick..so sick I even considered ordering his shirt, even though he plays for Tottenham. Martin Jol is so Dutch that I'm shocked he doesn't wear wooden shoes and pigtails on the touchline. The Dutch know how to manage football, as witnessed by 4 different Dutch coaches in World Cup. Robbie Keane has been practicing new goal celebrations all year, and Michael Carrick..again so sick. I like this team a lot, they are going to be making legitimate noise. If you play them slow, or lazy, you are going to get beat. I don't care who you have in the midfield, this team is going to make quick work of unenergetic defenses...I'm speaking specifically to Chelsea with this.

The Best non-All-Star team in England

2. Liverpool
I hate this team. I hate them so bad it hurts. It really hurts to give them this much credit; and in all honesty if Rafa had made a couple more important signings, I'd put them at number one. This team is lethal when they are on the same page. That is the problem though, they are woefully inconsistent. Their FA Cup Final game against West Ham showed exactly what they are all about. Up, down, up, down, and eventually a goal in extra time, take it to penalties, and win the trophy. Have to give them credit for winning two of the biggest trophies in sports in the last two years, but I am not 100% sold on them yet. I think they are questionable in goal, and their strikers are, well, not quite there. They sold Morientes and Cisse, and are going to be starting Bellamy (look at his picture, I swear he lives in a trailer park in Onendoga, New York) and the lean-string-bean, Peter Crouch. In midfield they have the absolutely wonderful, Steven "Please give me the captain's band" Gerard. The best midfielder in England (man that hurts to right, but if you saw the World Cup you know what I am talking about), has the ability to lead this team to the top. Watch out for these guys, they are deadly and if you are the number one team, you have to watch out for them.

Wait, they have who?


1. Chelsea FC
Biased? Probably. But come on, if you make a Premier League preview, and you don't put Chelsea at number one, that is just foolish. I want to list the roster here, but odds are, Jose will make 4 more changes by the time we go to publish. Their midfield is going to be starting Lampard, Ballack, Makalele, and probably Joe Cole. Really they could put Essien in there instead, but they will probably bring him off the bench so they can start Drogba and Shevchenko up front. Just writing that give me goosebumps. What is the ceiling on goals scored? I'd be willing to bet this team breaks any English goal-scoring records that exist. But not everything is rosy in Stamford Bridge. There is a giant, glaring, question mark in the back. The question mark is..who is playing there? Reports are once again linking Ashley Cole with a move to the West End, but Wenger is categorically denying it, saying that there is no way they will sell the England international. With that said, Del Horno is gone to Valencia, Carvalho probably shouldn't stick around to see the treatment he recieves from England fans, and I have no faith in Paulo Ferreira. Of course they have John Terry wearing the Captain's band in the backfield, and he is a lights out shut down defender. And you have to believe with the new stirker/midfield operation setup, Mourinho won't be bringing Terry anywhere near as far up as a deep scoring threat. Still, the defense leaves a lot to be desired, no matter how good Peter Cech is. One last note on Chelsea, it is no secret that Roman & Co. are gunning particularly for the European Champions League. You have to be scared that perhaps this team is not built for English soccer at all, and it is really made to outrun the Italian, and more particularly, Spanish sides that will be out there. This team looks to be built particularly for upending any threat from Madrid or Barcelona, not with keeping pace with Tottenham or Arsenal. The gigantic egos and unproven chemistry must provide for a few worrying thoughts as well.

Well that is it. Watford is dropped, Chelsea wins it all. It's probable that everyone knew where this whole thing was going, but I had fun writing, I hope you enjoyed reading. Leave comments or emails about the list or about your thoughts on the upcoming season.

American Morning

I've alluded to my unending love for Soledad O'Brien on this page before. That love expanded today when she openly ridiculed Under Secretary of State Karen Hughes. I'll line it up for you so you can imagine it perfectly. Karen Hughes was asked why the US was not rushing to a cease-fire and Hughes said that the need was urgent, not immediate. According to Hughes, America absolutely wants to have a cease fire, but the need was urgent, not immediate. An immediate cease-fire, again according to the Bush Administration, would result in giving in to the terrorists. Soledad looked at her exactly like you would look at someone if they just took a leak on your leg. Mrs. O'Brien let the Under Secretary know that the entire world supported an immediate cease-fire, and the US was the only nation holding back the potential cease-fire. Karen Hughes's answer to this was that the US was deeply concerned about the loss of life, but stopping the fight now would be quitting half way. It's looking more and more like the theory that the pace of US diplomacy over the last week and a half has purely been a method of letting Israel have its way before international pressure forced a cessation. One last thing, besides being noticably angry and demeaning during the entire interview, Soledad commented on how Under Secretary Hughes still hasn't come close to completing her task since she was appointed. Hughes was brought in to help improve Bush Administration approval ratings across the globe, in order to help lubricate international buttcheeks. Thus far, O'Brien pointed out, approval ratings are down in every major country, including France, UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Russia, China, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and all across South America. Soledad O'Brien can be seen every morning on American Morning on CNN, opposite evil twin Miles O'Brien; and in my dreams every night.

The 5 Most Important Albums of My Life

Before I dive into this little list there are a couple of things you should know. Although I may try to sound like it, I really know nothing about music. I mean that statement alone is pretty pretentious because it implies that there is a right and wrong here, and that I may have the answer to it. Another thing, this is not the five best albums of my life, or the five most important albums to other people during my life. This is more like a personal decision, kinda like having butt sex with your wife. That was wildly innappropriate; on to the list.

5. Busta Rhymes- "When Disaster Strikes"
So I probably turned about 85% of the people reading this away already. But seriously, it's a really good album. It's also the album that really brought me into rap, and away from late 90's grunge rock..and that is an important event in anyone's life. This album also features two of the greatest rap songs ever, "Dangerous" and "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See." This album is sick with it, and it is worth a good listen. I don't listen to this album anywhere near as much as I once did, but it is still super important in my musical life.

4. Nirvana- "Nevermind"
Speaking of grunge rock, here they are, Nirvana. The first band I really loved, and the first album I ever bought. Some people would argue for In Utero being the better album, and Unplugged in NY is probably my personal favorite album, but as far as importance, it's all about "Nevermind" and Smells Like Teen Spirit. The album also has the first studio cut of "Polly", and that song is legendary. It's extremely cliche to put this album on a list like this, but I don't care. I love it and it has a special spot with me.

3. Elliot Smith- "Either/Or"
Top to bottom one of the three greatest albums I have ever listened to. I'd be hardpressed to find a bad track on the album. I feel a little dirty putting the album on my list because I just picked up the cd a few months back in December, and it is still in my constant rotation. The reason that it's on here though, is because I associate it so much with my trip to England. If you haven't listened to this cd, I suggest you should, it is aural crack. The one bad thing though is that you will constantly remember that you can't see this guy live anymore, and that is reallly depressing.

2. The Streets- "Original Pirate Material"
Well, if you know me at all you had to know one of The Streets' three albums was going to make this list; it's definitely not "Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living." I really chose this album over "A Grand Don't Come for Free" purely because of one song. "Turn the Page" is my single favorite song ever. I have listened to it probably over 300 times. That is a sickness, a disease. I know there are some great songs on "Grand", and I don't listen to Turn the Page the way I used to. Still, this album did a few things. It opened me up to British rap/grime; began the newest and most recent phase of my musical life; and was probably a little more of the reason I went to England than I'd like to admit. Great album, if you haven't listened to it and you're reading this than I definitely don't know you personally; regardless, listen to this album.

1. Radiohead- "OK Computer"
This may surprise a few people I know. It doesn't have the massive amount of listens that some of the albums on this list have. I don't talk about it as much, and I definitely don't gush over it like some of the other stuff I listen to. All that said, because of this album I am listening to quality music today. If I never heard this album, I would probably still be poo-pooing some great stuff because it wasn't popular enough, or 'hood' enough for me. They made me understand good rock, good music really, and for this I thank them. I would actually have no qualms with this being number one on a greatest albums ever, favorite albums ever, most important, etc. If you haven't given this album or Kid A a listen to...well I'm not sure I want to know you then.

Got Rings?

For the second night since Saturday I had to deal with douchebag Yankee fans mouthing off. Two days ago I had to hear two guys start a 'Pelfrey Sucks' chant, and today I had to deal with someone yelling at me for my Cubs jersey. Can Yankee fans please worry about themselves. If you are a Yankee fan and you read this, please do all of us a favor and stop being a complete douche to the rest of society. You were around for 3 rings, not 26, so don't brag about all of them. You probably have no idea on the significance of Babe Ruth, so don't try to discuss him with me. The Chicago Cubs haven't played competitive baseball in nearly 100 years, so stop bothering their fans. And the New York Mets are better than you, so deal with it. Stop booing the best player in baseball, get over yourselves. Theres a reason people love to watch your team lose, and it has nothing to do with the players and everything to do with the people in the stands. If I could declare Jihad on one group of people, it would be Yankee fans.

Lebanese Viagra

It has been 14 days since the Lebanese-Israeli conflict began. Two weeks. It took two weeks for a real peace proposal to hit the table. While hundreds of Lebanese are dying, Lebanese civilian infrastructure being destroyed, and any attempt at Arab-Israeli trust being obliterated; the world dragged its feet to come to a solution. Almost everyone agreed, everyone except the US and Israel, that an immediate cease-fire was necessary. Once again, the US proved that it doesn't have to take anybody's guff and continued to support Israel's defiance of international pressure. The world said stop, and the US said no. It took less than 12 hours for US approval of expediation of a shipment of laser-guided missiles to Israel. It took over 12 days for Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice to step foot in Beirut.

What does the international peace plan call for? First it allows for $30 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon. Easily eclipsing all other totals from every other government except the Saudi's, who have agreed to send $1.5 billion. Second, it calls for an 'international force' to be deployed into Southern Lebanon. Please notice that the words, 'peacekeeping', have been left out of here. There is a reason for this. This force is meant to destroy the remnants of the Hezbollah militia. This is definitely a good thing. Hezbollah need to get in line with the other serious Islamic political parties, adhere to UN Resolution 1559, and disband the military. This is a group that has a lot of resonance with Islamic Shi'a and it would turn a messy situation messier, if Hezbollah leadership was destroyed. The 'international force' would be made up of 10,000 Egyptian and Turkish troops, and 30,000 international troops. A majority of the international troops would most likely be made up of French army. The groups would be lead by a NATO and UN military command. This all sounds like a quality situation but there is just one problem, how is this a peace settlement?

How can you have a peace settlement when there is nobody to negotiate peace with? There is obviously no shot of Americans turning on the tv to see President Bush and Hassan Nasrallah having a discussion on the peace process. The United States refuses to negotiate with terror groups, and Hezbollah is on the US Terror List. The US hasn't had diplomatic relations with Syria in a year, since the assasination of Prime Minister Hariri. The more it becomes apparent that Syria is the main link to Hezbollah, the more this decision looks foolish. Finally, we are definitely not talking to Iran, because they have a man in power who still doesn't believe the Holocaust happened, and refuses to cease enriching uranium. Furthermore, we know that Lebanon has no control over the southern region of their country, and there are many doubts as to whether or not Lebanon has ever regained control over any part of their country. When all is said and done I think we will look back at the current Lebanese government as more impotent than Bob Dole after a bottle of Jack Daniels. These guys have no power at all. So again, who is the US and Israel negotiating with?

What is the solution here? I think the current plan on the table is a solid place to start. I agree with basically everything that it calls for. The most important thing that must be established, is the rehabalitation of Lebanon. The 'international force' must help the Lebanese government get control of its own region, which is its main objective. Syria absolutely must be brought to the table, and any sort of peace discussion must include them. The further the US alienates Syria, the closer the world comes to having to deal with this problem again in a few months. If Hezbollah is rooted out, and Syria is not involved, make no mistake, there will be another Hezbollah before long. Speaking of Hezbollah, it must be demanded of them that they drop their military capacities. If they want to contribute to the Lebanese government as a legitimate political party, that absolutely must be allowed. However, if they refuse to disarm, they will have to be dealt with. I personally do not see Hezbollah as a terror organization (I will expound on this concept in another blog), but that does not mean they should not be dealt with as a rebellious group of they remain armed.

Last, but of course not least, we have Israel. Israel, O Israel. Can someone please tell me why Israel can continously get away with this? Are they paying someone off? Do they have lawyers that are really just that good? Obviously it is because the state of Israel has basically served as the United States's little brother, and are protected as such. Nowhere else in the world can a government commit such atrocities without being absolutely and positively condemned. This nation continues to recieve intense international support from the US and her allies, despite the fact that they are responsible for some of the worst humanitarian atrocities of the last 50 years. Chalk up the rape of Beirut, right next to the Palestinian Diaspora, and the massacres of Sabra and Shatila (again I will post on this third incident in depth soon, if you want to look it up on your own you should, it is Ariel "Bulldozer" Sharon's lifetime achievement.) Lebanon has been completely dismantled, despite the fact that the IDF is fully aware that the Lebanese government has no control over the actions Hezbollah committed. They have created a brand new Lebanese diaspora, displacing nearly 1 million people! All this because two IDF soldiers were kidnapped? All this, and Ehud Olmert and George W. Bush have the nerve to come on tv and say that there has not been an imbalanced use of force? Now Olmert and Bush say that this use of force is in self-defense of rocket attacks launched on Haifa. This is all said in full knowledge that IDF military officials were on television 12 days ago saying, "If one Israeli soldier is killed, we shall raze Beirut to the ground." They made good on their word, and now its time for the UN to make good on theirs. Force Israeli officials responsible for the brutality to submit to UN laws, force them to submit to the Geneva Convention. Israeli bombs have been dropped containing the phosphorous chemical, on civilian structures! The atrocities of Israel cannot continue if the Arab world is to ever trust the UN or the US. If George W. Bush wants to win the war on terror, this is how it will be done. Not with bombs but through an actual process of trust.

Thank you to CNN.com for the pictures provided, facts and news provided by CNN.com and BBC.co.uk.
The first picture is Beirut in 1970, the second picture is Beirut on July 24, 2006.

The Most Blogged War

So I finally came around to the blog scene. I avoided it for a long time, seems a little ridiculous to me. But the ridiculousness took an entire new life today when CNN reported that the current Israeli-Lebanese conflict is, and I quote, "THE MOST BLOGGED WAR EVER!" Really? This is worth reporting? Despite the fact that this is the most annoying statistic ever (how does that stat even get compiled, is the Elias Sports Bureau on that?); it did the job in getting me to look a little deeper into the blog scene.

First stop, Cigarboxes and Guitars. What a blog. I can't believe I even wrote that sentence just now. Anyways, it is an intensely interesting blog if you enjoy reading about obscure music references and top 5 lists. I love the humorous pretentiousness of the writing, and suggest it to anyone and everyone. It is my inspiration and guiding light...ok, that is a bit much, but it's a good read and you should check it out.

After that, I got suckered into signing up with some website that promised to pay me for my writing. Now I was absolutely sold on this blogging thing. If I can get paid to write that means they must think I'm somewhat important, right? No, it just means I'm a foolish sucker. It had some whole advertising spiel, and I do not have the time for advertising spiels. Thank you, but uhh no thank you.

That brings me back around here. I figured the site worked so well for Cigarboxes, who am I to change things up. So I've set up shop on blogger.com, and I hope everyone enjoys it. The title of the site is Rear Window, and it serves two purposes. One, it is a reference to one of the five greatest films I have ever seen. Two, I intend to comment on just about anything and everything I have any interest in, so it works as a pun as well. Watching from the Rear Window...Hitchcock would love this blog.

I'll come up with my first real post of substance tommmorow. It will almost definitely be about the conflict going on in the Middle East. By the way, the cutie at the top of the post, thats Soledad O'Brien; a.k.a. the real reason I watch CNN in the morning. Someday down the line we can credit the vixen of Beirut with my writing.