Blog Archives
Happy Monday!
It’s Monday, which means the occasional “breaking news” announcement that can redefine life as we know it. In today’s case, it’s more of something being redefined for the modern era.
“Who ya gonna call?”
That’s right, this is happening…
Happy Monday and Happy Future Labor Day Weekend 2014!
From “Jaws” to…
When something is so bad, it’s good.
This is the undeniable truth regarding the cultural phenomenon known as Sharknado. It swept up audiences into a frenzy like the killer sharks swirling around in the tornadoes0. Written, acted and directed as a cheesy Syfy movie of the week, the combination of sharks (Jaws) and tornadoes (Twister) was too much to resist for people of all ages (suitable for the graphic content, of course). Sharks and tornadoes are eternally fascinating and, thankfully, someone had the genius idea (well, the idea at least) to join these two powerful forces of nature together. Plus, who could resist the father from Home Alone, 90210’s Ian Ziering and Tara Reid fighting off sharks swimming around her house on a hill?
And now, the sequel!
Yes, it’s true. The trailer was recently released for the world to see and, rest assured, it doesn’t disappoint (is that Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath?). My recommendation on how to effectively watch the trailer below after an initial viewing right here at Jimmy’s Daily Planet? Go to 7-11, get your free slurpee from 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and enjoy the cinematic madness of sharks, tornadoes, Matt Lauer and the subway system in New York City again with a perfect refreshment and care-free attitude.
It’s a suggestion that’s so bad, it’s good.
Ladies and gentlemen, it happened again:
Come July 30th at 9:00 p.m. on the Syfy channel, you know you’re going to watch Sharknado 2: The Second One.
P.S. Clearly, lots of time and resources were spent on the title…
The Lion Roars No More
I really wish I had been wrong in my World Cup Final prediction…
Back on June 12th, I wrote a post titled Mês de Ouro do Futebol! Within this article, there were lists of players and teams to watch for the 2014 World Cup, as well as a prediction of the World Cup Final. If you recall, I chose Germany and Argentina to play for the championship. It was a purely pragmatic choice, despite my love for the United States of America and the Dutch. As a long time fan of the Netherlands, there were many question marks for them entering this tournament. Put simply, they could only exceed expectations.
Last night, the Dutch lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. Penalty maestro Krul was unable to be subbed in late and after Dutch defender Vlaar’s penalty was blocked to open the shootout, a paralyzing shock set in for those cheering for the Netherlands. While technically it was just the first shot, the momentum shifted like a tidal wave and it proved to be unrecoverable for the Oranje.
It was over.
A golden generation of Dutch superstars may never hoist soccer’s biggest trophy.
In a single word: devastating.
However, attempting to put this game aside for a slightly happier note today, Jimmy’s Daily Planet would like to offer a throwback this Thursday to a late night contest that happened a while back.
Enjoy:
Escaping in 8-minute intervals may be what it takes for Dutch fans today.
A Defining 90 Minutes Awaits
Argentina v. Netherlands
This will be a fascinating battle (with some interesting World Cup history) that will feature offensive creativity near its height once one team dares to expand its wings and go for it to earn that treasured spot in the World Cup Final against the mighty and goal-exhausted Germans. While defense wins championships, today’s match is not the championship and, therefore, offense will take center stage in what will likely be a showcase of world-class talent courtesy of the likes of Messi, Higuaín, Robben and Sneijder (to name just a few of the headliners). There will be gaps and lanes opened and created throughout, unless both coaches implement über cautious tactics. However, this reality seems unlikely given the personnel and strengths of each squad. A 7-1 final score also seems improbable, but after yesterday and all of what’s transpired in Brazil the past few weeks, who knows anymore?
It’s been beautifully crazy.
For Argentina (and Messi in particular), this is a legacy match that will go a long way towards defining the footballing strength of this South American nation that has played “little brother” to Brazil for longer than they’d wish to concede. Can Messi orchestrate a Barcelona-like performance when they were in their championship-rich years? Understanding the relative inexperience of the mostly youthful Dutch defense, Messi may shine brightest today. Will it lead to a win? That is the question in Buenos Aires today. On the other side, Argentina will have to brace for the Flying Dutchmen of Van Persie (or Huntelaar), Robben, Sneijder and Kuyt and Depay. Once the ball reaches the middle of the pitch, the Dutch love to open it up and run. It’s hard to imagine this game won’t have a few goals. But this is also a legacy math for the Oranje after a disappointing loss in the 2010 World Cup final versus Spain (both the score as well as stylistically). Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder and Huntelaar are all 30 years old, all in their prime and all cognizant of the fact they are two games away from lifting the very first World Cup trophy for their nation. Could this be destiny played out as the ultimate comeback story for the men in orange?
As my club soccer coach used to say, whichever team “let’s the ball do the work” will likely come out on top.
The night sky will either be painted light blue or orange tonight…
Jimmy's Daily Planet 