Boston Red Sox Slump

Ever since I blogged about the Red Sox making the finals and their rivalry with the Yankees they have been in a massive slump.

That was on the 31st of August an September hasn't been kind.

The Sox have been pushed around by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Texas Rangers and Toronto BlueJays and are 3 - 11 this month.

They are currently battling off again with the Rays and with only 13 games left (including todays) and a meagre 3 game lead over the Rays for the Wild Card spot, every win is important.

With games against the Rays, Yankees and Orioles, all division rivals remaining it will be an interesting race to the finals.

EDIT: Damn the Rays lead off the 1st with 2!

Until then hail to the closer!

New York Giants sign WR Brandon Stokley

WTF???

The Giants passed on a proven match winner in Plaxico Burress but after the fall out with slot receiver Steve Smith and the average performances by Domenik Hixon and Victor Cruz the Giants have signed journeyman Stokley.

I understand with the looming injury to #1 receiver Hakeem Nicks and the defections of both WR Steve Smith and TE Kevin Boss that the Giants needed to sure up the position, I'm just not sure if signing a guy who caught 31 receptions for ZERO touchdowns is the man for the job.

Stokley played his first 4 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens including the 2000 Superbowl win over said Giants. In those 4 seasons he never recorded more than 24 receptions or 2 touchdowns in a season. He then spent the next 4 years with the Indianapolis Colts. Here Brandon had more success particularly with Giants QB Eli Manning's brother Peyton tossing him the pigskin. His one breakout year was in 2004 where he had 1077 yards from 68 receptions for 10 touchdowns. He production then tailed off and he spent 3 seasons with the Denver Broncos and last year with the Seattle Seahawks.

I believe Coach Coughlin will/should give Cruz and Hixon another chance.  Cruz may have hurt his chances with a deplorable dropped catch that would have been a 1st down halting the Giants opening drive.

No matter how the slot receiver goes for the Giants to succeed Eli Manning will need to share the ball around but focus on Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham.

Until then hail to GMEN!

New York Giants - Rd1 Redskins - Review

Welcome to season 2011.

Let's hope it improves.

I do it to myself every team, every sport. I went into this game almost expecting a win. What I got was a bucket load of disappointment.

Don't get me wrong Rex Grossman played a good game and the Redskins played a smart game but the Giants didn't help themselves either.

Yeah Yeah I'm aware that the defence was decimated (or worse) but there were also some stupid errors and lacklustre efforts.

Ok where do I start? Injuries or stats?

Defensive injuries: We went into the season opener without our #1 and #3 cornerback and #1 defensive player/lineman Justin Tuck.

So I guess it's no wonder they gave up 305 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air. And 3 offensive touchdowns in total. On a good note Jason Pierre-Paul continued his good form with 6 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble. The Giants D accounted for 4 sacks and 74 nett yards rushing. However too many 3rd downs were converted and things need to tighten up quickly!

The is news about that the only bright light for the New York Offence Hakeem Nicks has some knee issues and is being tested as we speak. He pulled in 7 receptions for 122 yards including a 68 yarder in the first quarter to the 1 leading to Eli Manning's 1 yard rushing touchdown to give the Giants the first score on the board. Let's hope he's ok!

Eli continued on from last year with a silly interception that resulted in a Touchdown for the Redskin defence. The Giants also lost the penalty count 8 for 63 yards against 3 for 25.

The Giants will be trying to kick start a winning streak this Monday Night verses the St Louis Rams.

The most intriguing battle would be the running back one. Last year Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs worked well together with Bradshaw piling up 1200+ yards and Jacobs keeping an impressive 5.6 average. Bradshaw looked like he was hitting the line at half pace at times but still had 13 carries to Jacobs' 6. I'd personally like to see Jacobs carrying at least 10-15 times a game.

Until then hail to the Capital!

Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You - Review

I purchased this on iTunes the day it was available in Australia but needed time to get to know the songs better before I judged them. It's like meeting someone for the first time. To judge them on the first opinion they make or the colour of their hair would be remiss. I like to get to know somebody a little before I judge them, whisper behind their back and ridicule them from the safety of my laptop.

So the vibe of this album is a lot cruisier than previous Chili albums but is peppered with little gems and even a few tracks that are slow burners. (They didn't jump at me on first or second listens but have forced their way into my subconscious like that tasty jingle - Costanza!)

Monarchy of Roses

A very worthy 1st track. This is the Chili Peppers at their rock best. The lyrics are pretty tight, Chad holds his on the drums and Josh is given the freedom to stamp his name on the albums. I like it! 8/10

Factory of Faith

I don't mind this but it doesn't ring RHCP's to me. It seems like an early 80's homage. Certain parts of the song are actually quite good but the way Kiedis barks 'Factory' out and it's 40+ times just it's my kind of .... 7/10

Brendan's Death Song

This is my favourite song on the album and given time will probably settle into the top ten all-time RHCP songs. At my funeral this, Venice Queen and Gravedigger by Dave Matthews will be the 3 songs I want played! Sure it's about a real person, Brendan Mullins who had been known to the Peppers for an age but it's just a beautiful song born out of a jam after hearing the news of his passing and it permeates into every lyric and beat. I love this song, although mot in love with the title. 10/10

Ethiopia

I do like this song but there's something holding me back from really liking it. This could be a slow-burner that will take a little longer till I get it. 7.5/10

Annie Wants a Baby

I pre-judged this on title and was wrong. I really like this also. It's smooth and melodic with tidy little beats to it. 8/10

Look Around

I can't put my finger on it but I really dig the feel of this track. Chorus is too simple and a little annoying but still a strong effort! 7.5/10

The Adventures of Raindance Maggie

This was the first single for a reason. It's a bloody good song. The lyrics are good to sing along to but the hero of this is the bass playing by Flea. I'm not a musician by any stretch but I can appreciate what is being done here. My head starts bopping at the start of the song and doesn't stop till it's over. 9/10

Did I Let You Know

This song has surprised in that I didn't really notice it first time around but it's slowly becoming one of my favourites. Couple of cool little solos including Flea on the trumpet too. This I know!!! 8/10

Goodbye Hooray

It has a catchy chorus if repetitive but otherwise not my favourite track on the album. 7/10

Happiness Loves Company

It sure does! Chad Smith sets the tone for this bopper and Kiedis just manages to hold on. Not a special track but I wouldn't skip it either! 7.5/10

Police Station

Subtle and tight would be the two words I'd use to describe this. This is the sort of great song the Peppers make when they're not trying to sound like the Peppers. Everyone brings something to this. 8.5/10

Even You Brutus?

I like this because of the clever Julius Caeser inspired lyrics and it's also music to my ears. Well layered and tempered. Another case of the song being better than the moniker.8/10

Meet Me At The Corner

This is an unassuming track that has a catchy hook and haunting lyrics from evergreen Anthony Kiedis. 7.5/10

Dance, Dance, Dance

This is the last track on the album and sends it off with bop and optimism. There's no standout winning element but it works and it's fun. 7.5/10

After almost 2 weeks to be acquainted with this album I'm happy to recommend it to people but more than 1 hearing is required to get a handle on it! I'd give the album 8.5/10

Until then hail to the Masque!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Round 24 Review - Season Finale

Unfortunately this was going to be the season finale before the game had started. The Roos blew any chance of playing into September with yet another disappointing loss the week before against the Saints.

Round 24 v Richmond Tigers @Etihad Stadium

Richmond Tigers 3.2 9.7 10.10 13.13 91
North Melbourne Kangaroos 5.3 7.7 12.11 15.14 104


The Kangaroos blew a good chance at getting their first win in Round 5 against the Tigers but capitulated in the last quarter and fell to a 0-4 record. Losses like this were the story of the Roos year and I'm sure plenty of the boys in Royal Blue saw this as a chance for redemption regardless of the ladder positions.

The Tigers, Kangaroos and Demons were seen as similar team at the start of the season in the sense they were coming out of a rebuilding phase with a core group of quality young players. A win for the Tigers would also have seen bragging rights go to the Yellow and Black on the ladder and a 9th placed finish.

A strong start to the Roos saw a 2 goal lead however they again gave the opposition a sniff with a patented burst of goals in a short period in the 2nd quarter. Instead it was the Tigers who were in the lead by 2 goals at half-time.

Whatever it was that Brad Scott said in the dressing rooms it needs to be said again next year. The spirit and hunger for the ball was evident fro the first hitout and it showed on the scoreboard with a 5 goal to 1 quarter. There were also several chances for the Ross for exted the lead including 4 points for the quarter.

The Roos did enough in the last quarter to finish of this season horribilis with a win by 13 points.

Drew Petrie continued his fine form in front of goal with 4 and yet another contender for mark of the year in the goal square with 2 minutes to go. For a guy who had 3 separate broken foot injuries the previous year, to kick 48 goals is a fantastic achievement. However I would say his conversion wasn't as tight as it could have been kicking 41 behinds meaning Petrie really should have kicked 50+ even close to 60 wouldn't have been out of the question.

Boomer Harvey seemed to run around the paddock without the burden of the captaincy or result on his way to an evergreen 31 possies, 8 marks, 2 goals with 4 goal contributed and 7 inside 50's. With Andrew Swallo steppin up his output this season, a changeover for him into the top leader role seems perfect. Boomer hasn't lost any pace or hunger so barring a debilitating soft tissue injury could easily play on for 2-3 more seasons and just enjoy his footy.

Brady Rawlings honourably retired earlier and finished his career on a high note both for the season and his last game. He was again pivotal throughout the year and collected plenty of possessions including 27 in his last year.

Todd Goldstein registered 29 hitouts finishing the season in 2nd overall for the all-time hit outs in a season list. It's no surprise he has been selected in the All-Australian squad of 40 along with teammates, Daniel Wells, Andrew Swallow and Drew Petrie. Considering top 8 Essendon didn't have a single player selected this is quite a tale of how well the Roos played despite their win-loss record.

Lindsay Thomas also played arguably his best all-round game for the season with 20 possies, 5 marks, 2 goals 2, 8 tackles and an impressive 11 inside 50's.

Although he Roos failed to make a real impact when playing top 8 teams despite several close losses, they will take some pride in the finish to year win.

As they say int he biz, there is always next year!

Until then hail to the 4 squad!

Matthew Gordon Lindsay

I've been a little slack lately it's all because of new little bundle of joy.

On Thursday 1st September my amazing wife gave me the greatest gift of all, for a second time. A healthy beautiful boy.

The birth of my first son was an emergency caesaerian due to the size of the little (sic) lad and it didn't go smoothly from there. He came out not breathing and needed a tube to be put into his throat to finally breath and this affected his feeding and in turn took time to get him to settle into the world. As it stands he's an extremely healthy little man weighing at about 14+kgs and 92cm and he's not even 2 yet.

So for son #2 we (sic) booked in for a regular Caesarean and I finally had the pleasure of meeting my child at the time of entry into the world and I even cut cut the cord.

Matthew was booked in 2 weeks early at 38 weeks and was an average 8lb or 3.63kgs and 49.5cm in length. He seems to be feeding better and sleeps a whole lot more than older brother Ben.

Today marks the milestone of 1 week and I'm thankful for every second so far and the many more to come.

Thank you all for your well wishes!

Until then hail to the Gift from God!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Todd Goldstein - #2 Hit Out All-Time Record

The North Melbourne Kangaroos and Todd Goldstein have both finished the season with bitter sweet records. The Kangas beat middle of the road rival Richmond Tigers in the last game of the season to finish top of the bottom 8. And Todd Goldstein recorded 29 hitouts to finish outright 2nd on the All-Time hit out charts with 741 for the year. I had my doubts on Goldstein making the allocated 27 when former All-Australian Hamish McIntosh was named for his 1st game of the year, giving the Roos 2 legitimate ruckmen. This proved unfounded as Goldstein further pushes his case for all-australian contention and will be bitterly unlucky not to make the team (He's a lock to make the squad of 40 but may miss out of the 22 on the basis they may only pick 1 specialist ruckman).

Hopefully Goldstein can use an uninterrupted pre-season to further build his fitness base and prove 2011 was not a figment of my imagination. The kangaroos were one of the youngest teams in the league in this year and will be collectively looking at a vast improvement over the summer and will need an on the ball (sic) Goldstein to be feeding his hungry young joeys the ball at any given opportunity for them to make the transition into the top echelon of teams.

But as it stands the 2011 season is over for the Roos and Goldstein has recorded the most hit outs in a single season second only to the phenomenal performance by another Rooboy Gary Dempsey in 1982 with the seemingly insurmountable 878.

Home and away hit-out tallies


878 - Gary Dempsey - 1982 (North Melbourne)
741 - Todd Goldstein - 2011 (North Melbourne)*
738 - Gary Dempsey - 1983 (North Melbourne)
711 - Mark Lee - 1984 (Richmond)
703 - Simon Madden - 1983 (Essendon)
688 - Gary Dempsey - 1981 (North Melbourne)
686 - Aaron Sandilands - 2010 (Fremantle)
682 - Darren Jolly - 2009 (Sydney)
659 - Aaron Sandilands - 2009 (Fremantle)
649 - Mark Lee - 1983 (Richmond)
646 - Aaron Sandilands - 2008 (Fremantle)
643 - Mark Jamar - 2010 (Melbourne)
628 - Peter Everitt - 2004 (Hawthorn)
623 - Rod Blake - 1980 (Geelong)
619 - Justin Madden - 1982 (Essendon)
611 - Mark Lee - 1981 (Richmond)
611 - Simon Madden - 1984 (Essendon)
607 - Matthew Allan - 1999 (Carlton)

Until then hail to the trifecta!

Short Film - SOAP

I'm very happy to announce that a short film Soap, written by my esteemed brother Ryan and myself has been picked up by a hip label in London - Madphat Productions.

Madphat is already well entrenched in the photography and music video scene (check out their website, link above) and have decided to branch out into the short film business. We are honoured that they are going to pop their cherry using the script we wrote so hopefully we can see it at a film festival near us.

Madphat Productions already have a cache of high quality equipment and creatives at their disposal so I'm looking forward to seeing what they can achieve with the characters we have penned.

Check back soon for further updates re: pre-production, casting etc.

Until then hail to the Lagos!