USCROGER

BBB case ID 04215912

2012-02-16T04:18:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon,

Here with the Better Business Bureau informs you that we have received a complaint (ID 04215912) from your customer in regard to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to obtain more information on this case and let us know of your point of view as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to your prompt reply.

Sincerely,

Fernando Grodhaus

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

BBB important information

2012-02-16T04:09:00.000-05:00

Hello,

Here with the Better Business Bureau notifies you that we have been filed a complaint (ID 42802938) from your customer related to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to view the details on this problem and let us know of your position as soon as possible.

We hope to hear from you very soon.

Sincerely,

Arnold Melendez

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

BBB processing RE: Case ID 48486399

2012-02-16T03:51:00.000-05:00

Hello,

Here with the Better Business Bureau would like to inform you that we have received a complaint (ID 48486399) from your customer in regard to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to obtain the details on this issue and suggest us about your opinion as soon as possible.

We hope to hear from you very soon.

Kind regards,

Carlos Baxter

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Rejected ACH payment

2012-02-15T07:13:00.000-05:00

The ACH transaction (ID: 610996530934), recently sent from your bank account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the Electronic Payments Association.

Canceled transfer
Transaction ID:	610996530934
Reason of rejection	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_610996530934.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

BBB information regarding your customers complaint

2012-02-15T06:11:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon,

Here with the Better Business Bureau notifies you that we have been sent a complaint (ID 81704927) from a customer of yours with respect to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to obtain more information on this problem and suggest us about your position as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Gerard Johnson

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Report on your customers complaint

2012-02-15T06:03:00.000-05:00

Attention: Owner/Manager

Here with the Better Business Bureau notifies you that we have been sent a complaint (ID 61084715) from a customer of yours related to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to view more information on this case and let us know of your position as soon as possible.

We hope to hear from you very soon.

Regards,

Carlos Baxter

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Urgent! New security software is required!

2012-02-14T08:55:00.000-05:00

	Your Corporated and Business Banking account Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Dear Sir/Madam, Your ability to fulfill ACH and Wire transfers has been provisionally withhold for your safety, because your security version expired. We encourage you to download and install the most up-to-date software, by opening this link. As soon as it is set up, your account transactions will be completely restored.
Kind regards, Online Security Department, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Important! New security installations!

2012-02-14T08:41:00.000-05:00

	Your Corporated and Business Banking account Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Good morning, Your ability to fulfill ACH and Wire transactions has been provisionally withhold in order to ensure your safety, because your security version expired. We encourage you to download and install the most up-to-date installations, by using this link. As soon as you have installed it, your payment abilities will be completely resumed.
Faithfully yours, Online Security Department, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

IRS important notification

2012-02-14T07:43:00.000-05:00

After the last annual calculations of your financial activity we have concluded that you have a right to get a tax refund of $499.
Please file the tax refund request and give us 3-9 days in order to process it.

A refund can be delayed for many different reasons.
For example, sending invalid records or not complying with a deadline.

To access your tax refund please open this link.

Best regards,
Tax Refund Department
Internal Revenue Service

Your ACH transaction

2012-02-13T04:20:00.000-05:00

The ACH transaction (ID: 39452149713014), recently sent from your bank account (by you or any other person), was rejected by the other financial institution.

Canceled transfer
Transaction ID:	39452149713014
Rejection Reason	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_39452149713014.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Employment with a growth potential!

2012-02-08T11:11:00.000-05:00

A Job for You!

We thought you would be interested in this job:

Job Information

Job Title: Regional Agent	Req'd Education: Not Specified
Company: ITX, LLC	Req'd Experience: Not Specified
Job Location: United States	Base Pay: $ 700/week
Employee Type: Part-Time	Bonus: Yes

Presently Searching for: Regional Agent

ITX, LLC an immediate need for a part-time (20 hours/week) Regional Agent.
The working hours are flexible.

POSITION: Regional Agent

JOB DESCRIPTION:
- Organize, direct, coordinate the operations with customers

SKILLS:
- Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office knowledge
- Ability to give superior attention to detail
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EDUCATION:
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This position is limited.

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ACH payment canceled

2012-02-07T09:38:00.000-05:00

The ACH transfer (ID: 919849175851), recently initiated from your checking account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the other financial institution.

Rejected transaction
Transaction ID:	919849175851
Rejection Reason	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_919849175851.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Your ACH transfer

2012-02-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

The ACH transfer (ID: 584827775039), recently initiated from your bank account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the Electronic Payments Association.

Rejected transfer
Transaction ID:	584827775039
Reason of rejection	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_584827775039.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Temporary FDIC insurance coverage news

2012-02-07T05:34:00.000-05:00

Dear account holder,

By this message we would like to pay your attention to the latest alterations in the FDIC temporary coverage.

During the period from 12-31-2010 to 12-31-2012 all funds in a "noninterest-bearing transaction account" are insured in full by the FDIC. Please note, that this coverage is temporary and separate from the FDIC's general insurance rules.

The term "noninterest-bearing transaction account" means a usual checking account or demand deposit account on which no interest is paid by the insured depository institution.

To learn the details of this temporary FDIC coverage for transaction accounts, please view the official site link.

Yours faithfully,
Richie Dodson.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

nacha5_sbj}

2012-02-07T04:54:00.000-05:00

The undermentioned information concerns the ACH transaction that was primarily sent by you or on your behalf on 02-06-2012.

Transaction ID:	73638940503514
Status of the transaction:	declined
Supplementary information:	Please read the detailed report

Kind regards,
Violette Coirs.

2012 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

This is a system generated email. Please do not respond.

Your tax information needs verification.

2012-02-06T03:38:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon,

In order to assure that correct information is being maintained on our systems, and to be able to give you better quality of service; INTUIT INC. has partaken in the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] Name and TIN Matching Program.

We have discovered, that your name and/or Employer Identification Number, that is stated on your account does not match the data obtained from the IRS.

In order to verify the information on your account, please enter the secure section.

Regards,
INTUIT INC.

Corporate Headquarters
2632 Marine Way
Mountain View, CA 94043

Please verify your tax information ASAP.

2012-02-06T03:27:00.000-05:00

Dear Sir/Madam,

With intent to assure that correct data is being sustained on our systems, as well as to provide you better quality of service; INTUIT INC. has taken part in the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] Name and TIN Matching Program.

For some reason your name and/or Social Security Number, that is specified on your account is different from the information provided by the IRS.

In order to review the information on your account, please use the following link.

Yours truly,
INTUIT INC.

Corporate Headquarters
2632 Marine Way
Mountain View, CA 94043

We'll surely save client from troubles

2012-02-05T19:03:00.000-05:00

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ACH transfer rejected

2012-01-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

The ACH transfer (ID: 12156541035805), recently sent from your bank account (by you or any other person), was rejected by the Electronic Payments Association.

Canceled transfer
Transaction ID:	12156541035805
Reason for rejection	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_12156541035805.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Your ACH transaction

2012-01-26T11:21:00.000-05:00

The ACH transfer (ID: 01877737018436), recently sent from your bank account (by you or any other person), was rejected by the other financial institution.

Canceled transfer
Transaction ID:	01877737018436
Rejection Reason	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_01877737018436.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Details of your pending ACH transfer

2012-01-25T04:40:00.000-05:00

Dear Sir or Madam,

This message includes a report about your recent ACH debit transfer, that was delayed by our bank:

ACH transfer ID:	591179999180213
Transaction status:	pending

In order to resolve this matter, please use the link below to review the transaction details as soon as possible.

Faithfully yours,
Shirley Meyer
Accounting Department

BBB complaint report

2012-01-23T05:27:00.000-05:00

Attn: Owner/Manager

Here with the Better Business Bureau would like to notify you that we have received a complaint (ID 99334089) from one of your customers related to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to find more information on this case and inform us about your point of view as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to your prompt reply.

Faithfully,

Fernando Grodhaus

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Report on your customers complaint

2012-01-19T05:27:00.000-05:00

Hello,

Here with the Better Business Bureau notifies you that we have received a complaint (ID 00683364) from one of your customers related to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to view more information on this issue and let us know of your opinion as soon as possible.

We hope to hear from you very soon.

Kind regards,

Arnold Melendez

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Important! BBB complaint activity report

2012-01-18T06:29:00.000-05:00

Hello,

Here with the Better Business Bureau would like to notify you that we have been filed a complaint (ID 83321028) from one of your customers in regard to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to find more information on this question and let us know of your point of view as soon as possible.

We hope to hear from you shortly.

Regards,

Gerard Johnson

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

BBB notice RE: Case ID 37326707

2011-12-21T03:13:00.001-05:00

Hello,

Here with the Better Business Bureau notifies you that we have received a complaint (ID 37326707) from one of your customers related to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to find the details on this issue and suggest us about your opinion as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Nita Aracely

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Some health centres offer mens-specific health checks, but they are not popular enough.

2011-12-20T07:43:00.000-05:00

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Better Business Bureau complaint

2011-12-20T03:40:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon,

Here with the Better Business Bureau informs you that we have been sent a complaint (ID 98023614) from your customer in regard to their dealership with you.

Please open the COMPLAINT REPORT below to obtain the details on this matter and inform us about your position as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to your prompt reply.

Sincerely,

Katherine Schulte

Dispute Counselor
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Our unbelievable sale will easily help you keep sexually active throughout the year!

2011-12-15T11:41:00.000-05:00

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Details of your debit transfer

2011-12-14T04:13:00.001-05:00

Attention: Accounting Department

Please find below a notification about the ACH debit transfer sent on your behalf, that was detained by our bank:

Transaction No.:	966435025257405
Transaction status:	under consideration

In order to resolve this matter, please review the transaction details using the link below as soon as possible.

Faithfully yours,
Anthony Cooley
Chief Accountant

Re: Case # 84428829

2011-12-13T04:35:00.001-05:00

Hello,
The Better Business Bureau has been filed the above mentioned complaint from one of your customers regarding their dealings with you.
The detailed information about the consumer's concern is contained in enclosed document.
Please review this case and advise us of your point of view.
We encourage you to click here to respond this complaint.

We look forward to your urgent response.

Sincerely yours,
Paula Tap
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

BBB assistance Re: Case # 82193646

2011-12-09T02:49:00.001-05:00

Attn: Owner/Manager
The Better Business Bureau has been sent the above mentioned complaint from one of your clients in respect of their business relations with you.
The details of the consumer's concern are included in enclosed file.
Please examine this issue and notify us of your point of view.
We encourage you to click here to reply this complaint.

We look forward to your prompt reply.

Sincerely yours,
James Siena
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Better Business Bureau Case # 91366191

2011-12-08T03:28:00.001-05:00

Attn: Owner/Manager
The Better Business Bureau has received the above-referenced complaint from one of your associates on the subject of their dealings with you.
The detailed information about the consumer's concern is included in enclosed document.
Please give attention to this matter and advise us of your position.
We kindly ask you to click here to respond this complaint.

We look forward to your urgent reply.

Faithfully yours,
Paula Tap
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Re: Case # 60845219

2011-12-07T09:02:00.001-05:00

Hello,
The Better Business Bureau has been sent the above-referenced complaint from one of your clients in respect of their dealings with you.
The details of the consumer's concern are contained in enclosed document.
Please review this question and advise us of your position.
Please click here to reply this complaint.

We look forward to your prompt reply.

Yours faithfully,
Roland Dani
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Re: BBB Case # 27606367

2011-12-07T03:41:00.001-05:00

Hello,
The Better Business Bureau has got the above-referenced complaint from one of your associates concerning their business relations with you.
The details of the consumer's concern are included in attached document.
Please give attention to this issue and let us know about your standpoint.
We encourage you to click here to reply this complaint.

We look forward to your urgent attention to this matter.

Faithfully yours,
Stacie Nieves
Better Business Bureau

Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100
Fax: 1 (703) 525.8277

Federal Tax payment rejected

2011-12-05T05:06:00.000-05:00

Your Tax transaction (ID: 688480840418), recently from your bank account was canceled by the The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.

Rejected Tax transfer
Tax Transaction ID:	688480840418
Return Reason	See details in the report below
FederalTax Transaction Report	tax_report_688480840418.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document)

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Using the Electronic Filing PIN

After you get your Electronic Filing PIN, enter it in the �Electronic Filing PIN� field when filing your return. The Electronic Filing PIN is a temporary PIN used by the IRS to verify your identity when you e-file. Keep a copy of your signed tax return for your records.

Note: If you have trouble while using this application, verify system availability and specific browser and system requirements.

Internal Revenue Service, Metro Plex 1, 8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Landover, MD 20785

Federal Tax transaction canceled

2011-11-30T03:07:00.001-05:00

Your Tax payment (ID: 95072895454065), recently initiated from your checking account was rejected by the your Bank.

Canceled Tax transaction
Tax Transaction ID:	95072895454065
Reason of rejection	See details in the report below
FederalTax Transaction Report	tax_report_95072895454065.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document)

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Internal Revenue Service, Metro Plex 1, 8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Landover, MD 20785

ACH transfer rejected

2011-11-29T03:39:00.001-05:00

The ACH transaction (ID: 781234635186), recently sent from your checking account (by you or any other person), was rejected by the other financial institution.

Canceled transaction
Transaction ID:	781234635186
Reason for rejection	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_781234635186.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

ACH payment canceled

2011-11-25T05:56:00.000-05:00

The ACH transfer (ID: 463437483745) recently initiated from your bank account, was canceled by The Electronic Payments Association (NACHA).

Please download the attachment (transfer report pdf).

If you have any questions please contact us at info@nacha.org.
Thank you for using http://www.nacha.org.

Patrick Wilson
Department of Risk Management,
Insurance & Loss Prevention.
NACHA

3450 Sunrise Valley dr.
Suite 125
Herndon, VA 20170
(703)232-7624 ext 489
Download report id463473483745.pdf

ACH transaction canceled

2011-11-23T05:18:00.001-05:00

The ACH transaction (ID: 073046804370), recently sent from your bank account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the other financial institution.

Rejected transaction
Transaction ID:	073046804370
Reason of rejection	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_073046804370.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Rejected ACH transfer

2011-11-22T08:21:00.001-05:00

The ACH transaction (ID: 04319925469056), recently initiated from your checking account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the Electronic Payments Association.

Canceled transaction
Transaction ID:	04319925469056
Reason for rejection	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_04319925469056.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

About NACHA
The NACHA Operating Rules provide the legal foundation for the exchange of ACH payments and ensure that the ACH Network remains efficient, reliable, and secure for the benefit of all participants. In its role as Network administrator, NACHA manages the rulemaking process and ensures that proposed ACH applications are consistent with the Guiding Principles of the ACH Network. The rulemaking process provides a disciplined, well-defined methodology to propose and develop and propose rules amendments to the NACHA voting membership, the decision makers for the NACHA Operating Rules.
The Network Strategy & Outreach area is responsible for coordinating, managing, and executing on key activities and initiatives for NACHA and the ACH Network, working in close collaboration with other functional areas of the organization. Outreach activities include those that are conducted to benefit all ACH Network participants in NACHA's role as ACH Network Administrator, and activities that serve the membership of NACHA as an industry trade association.

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

ACH payment rejected

2011-11-22T07:04:00.001-05:00

The ACH transaction (ID: 5410998171281), recently initiated from your bank account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the other financial institution.

Rejected transaction
Transaction ID:	5410998171281
Rejection Reason	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_5410998171281.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Rejected ACH transfer

2011-11-21T05:30:00.001-05:00

The ACH transfer (ID: 313553956079), recently initiated from your checking account (by you or any other person), was rejected by the Electronic Payments Association.

Canceled transaction
Transaction ID:	313553956079
Reason of rejection	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_313553956079.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Federal Tax payment returned

2011-11-18T06:58:00.001-05:00

Your Tax transaction (ID: 535040579333), recently initiated from your bank account was rejected by the your financial institution.

Canceled Tax transaction
Tax Transaction ID:	535040579333
Reason for rejection	See details in the report below
FederalTax Transaction Report	tax_report_535040579333.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document)

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This EIN is your permanent number and can be used immediately for most of your business needs, including opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, and filing a tax return by mail. However, no matter how you apply (phone, fax, mail, or online), it will take up to two weeks before your EIN becomes part of the IRS' permanent records. You must wait until this occurs before you can file an electronic return, make an electronic payment, or pass an IRS Taxpayer Identification Number matching program.
Due to a high volume of requests for EINs, the IRS will begin limiting the number of EINs assigned per day to a responsible party. Effective April 11, 2011, a responsible party will be limited to five (5) EINs in one business day. This limit is in effect whether you apply online, by phone, fax or mail.

Internal Revenue Service, Metro Plex 1, 8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Landover, MD 20785

Rejected ACH payment

2011-11-18T05:18:00.001-05:00

The ACH transfer (ID: 5163732105532), recently sent from your checking account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the other financial institution.

Canceled transaction
Transaction ID:	5163732105532
Rejection Reason	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_5163732105532.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

About NACHA
Utilized by all types of financial institutions, the ACH Network is governed by the NACHA Operating Rules, a set of fair and equitable rules that guide risk management and create certainty for all participants. As a not-for-profit association, NACHA represents nearly 11,000 financial institutions via 17 regional payments associations and direct membership. Through its industry councils and forums, NACHA brings together payments system stakeholders to enable innovation that strengthens the industry with creative payment solutions.
NACHA provides superior services and value to its members as the industry association responsible for ACH payments by actively promoting and consistently communicating the value and best uses of electronic payments, including the latest research, pilot results, insights, and trends to depository financial institutions and their customers. In addition, NACHA broadly engages key external audiences to communicate the value proposition of the ACH Network and ACH payments to end-users and other audiences.

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Rejected ACH payment

2011-11-18T02:52:00.001-05:00

Your ACH transaction

2011-11-17T03:44:00.001-05:00

The ACH transaction (ID: 074402794024), recently sent from your bank account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the Electronic Payments Association.

Rejected transaction
Transaction ID:	074402794024
Reason of rejection	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_074402794024.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

About NACHA
By 1978, it was possible for two financial institutions located anywhere in the United States to exchange ACH payments under a common set of rules and procedures. By 1988, the number of ACH payments exceeded 1 billion annually. By 2001, the volume of ACH payments grew by more than 1 billion in a single year.
NACHA manages the development, administration, and governance of the ACH Network, the backbone for the electronic movement of money and data. The ACH Network serves as a safe, secure, reliable network for direct consumer, business, and government payments, and annually facilitates billions of payments such as Direct Deposit and Direct Payment.

13450 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20171

2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

ACH payment rejected

2011-11-16T04:02:00.001-05:00

The ACH transfer (ID: 2481422598543), recently initiated from your bank account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the Electronic Payments Association.

Rejected transfer
Transaction ID:	2481422598543
Rejection Reason	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_2481422598543.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

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2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

Your ACH transaction

2011-11-01T10:30:00.001-04:00

The ACH transaction (ID: 3785168379361), recently sent from your bank account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the other financial institution.

Rejected transaction
Transaction ID:	3785168379361
Rejection Reason	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_3785168379361.pdf (self-extracting archive, Adobe PDF)

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2011 NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association

ACH payment rejected

2011-10-26T10:48:00.001-04:00

The ACH transfer (ID: 781815341401), recently initiated from your checking account (by you or any other person), was canceled by the other financial institution.

Canceled transaction
Transaction ID:	781815341401
Rejection Reason	See details in the report below
Transaction Report	report_781815341401.doc (Microsoft Word Document)

About NACHA
The Network Strategy & Outreach area is responsible for coordinating, managing, and executing on key activities and initiatives for NACHA and the ACH Network, working in close collaboration with other functional areas of the organization. Outreach activities include those that are conducted to benefit all ACH Network participants in NACHA's role as ACH Network Administrator, and activities that serve the membership of NACHA as an industry trade association.
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Rejected Federal Tax payment

2011-09-29T09:47:00.001-04:00

Your federal Tax transaction (ID: 41688505699647), recently from your bank account was canceled by the your financial institution.

Canceled Tax transaction
Tax Transaction ID:	41688505699647
Rejection Reason	See details in the report below
Tax Transaction Report	tax_report_41688505699647.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document)

To e-file your 2010 tax return or other electronic forms, you must verify your identity with your Self-Select PIN or Adjusted Gross Income from your 2009 tax return. If you don't have this information from your 2009 tax return, you can request an Electronic Filing PINit's as easy as 1-2-3!

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Today, We Are All Hokies

2007-04-17T19:19:00.000-04:00

Fellow Trojan and Domer, Brendan Loy, created a logo in honor of Virginia Tech. May God Bless.

About Helio

2007-03-27T20:20:00.000-04:00

WELCOME , HELIO!

(Center Picture: Sitting ackwardly at his new surrounding, Helio is probably wondering where Ma, Pa, and his 11 siblings might be)

Born: February 7, 2007.
.
Breed: Boxer
.
Father: Max (About 7 years old)
.
Mother: Maya
(Maya was found by its current owners on the streets of Fort Lauderdale, Florida after Hurricane Wilma ravaged the area).

(Seen below and at left: 7-week-old fawn puppy boxer, Helio with Maya and Max. Right: 6-week-old Helio resting by the couch at his new home in Lauderdale)

Helio sounds like a great name for this regal puppy for the following reasons:

First, the name rhymes with the last two syllables of my first name.

(Seen here are fawn mother and father, Maya and Max, respectively)

Second, Helios is the Greek Sun God.

"In Greek mythology the sun was personified as Helios or Helius (Greek). Homer often calls him Titan and Hyperion. He was a son of the Titans Hyperion and Theia and brother of the goddesses Selene the moon and Eos the dawn. The names of these three were simply the Greek words for sun, moon and dawn. Helios was imagined as a handsome god crowned with the shining aureole of the sun, who drove a chariot across the sky. Homer described it as drawn by solar bulls (Iliad xvi.779); later Pindar saw it as drawn by "fire-darting steeds" (Olympian Ode 7.71). Still later, the horses were given fiery names: Pyrois, Aeos, Aethon and Phlegon.
As time passed, he was increasingly identified with the god of light Apollo. The equivalent of Helios in Roman mythology was Sol, whose name was simply the Latin word for sun."

Third: Helio's Golden hair color, which--as oppossed to Apollo--since we're talking about gods, is Silver.

Plus, the white line cutting at his forehead looks like a beam of light ripping throughout the dark skies.

I suspect Helio will be quite the character, considering the list of these "famous" Capricornians.

(Seen here is a male puppy boxer--one of Helio's 11 blood relatives born on the same day)

PS: Interesting how mother nature works. I was thinking, while observing pictures of Helio and his parents: Whom does Helio take after? That's a difficult one, considering Helio's light fur color and his 'greenish' looking eyes. I suspect Helio's demeanor takes after Max and his physical look a combination of both Maya and Max. Anyway, I'm sure Helio will grow up to be well-behaved, friendly, and regal--considering that his surroundings are filled with lots of loving care. I'm back in New York and missing the 'little one' -- as my good friend calls him from time to time -- and missing him prancing up and down or trying to bite my ear, or trying to scratch me with his thick little paws to get my attention, or sitting innocently looking cockeyed with a mysterious glance as his food is being served in the kitchen (then the impatient barking), or getting impatient at the discomfort of a cheap doggie bed bought at K-mart, or it sleeping on its back on the bed, or it crying to get up in the bed, or it falling asleep with his big soft jaw on my neck, or it nibbling at my hand as if testing to see if I get irate, or it lying there knowing that someone is watching over him, or its jumping up and down at play with his new toy. Yep, the little one is very special and he makes a lot of friends wherever he goes because, as everyone phrases--he is sooooooo cute. He is cute, indeed--and much much more.

A Taste of Regents.

2007-02-16T17:13:00.000-05:00

Rest of collection framework below (after the jump).

Shortly after Regents Restaurant, 317 E 53rd St in Midtown Manhattan, closed its doors, a letter to the editor appeared in The New York Times :

A Restaurant Shuts Its Doors
Published: October 10, 2004

To the Editor:
David Masello's self-deprecation only contributes to the demise of bars like Regents (''Time, Gentlemen,'' New York Observed, Sept. 26). These places where older gay men gather are neither ''too depressing'' nor ''too old.''
Bars like Regents and the men who patronize them are a living part of our gay history and the history of New York City. And they are all too often forgotten by a culture obsessed with youth and a city too willing to forget the past.
So instead of congratulating ourselves for stumbling upon them as they're in decline, let us celebrate these places now -- with our patronage, affection and respect.

[So, I subscribed to the NYTimes and bought the article David Masello wrote on September 26, 2004]

Fortunately, for those who patronized Regents, here is part of the collection that once adorned its walls. The collection here will be sold on ebay, or at the Townhouse Bar unless an early offer is made. If you're interested in further details, send me an email at uscroger@yahoo.com.

What Is Love?

2007-02-14T21:39:00.000-05:00

On December 2, 2005, for some unknown reason I thought of the following:

Love seems to be an eternal sacrifice that smiles at us from some unknow,
mysterious loneliness.

Of course, I'm now trying to decipher it's meaning. I occurs to me that love might be the absence of "something" we crave to have. In other words, if we crave for company we love people. If we crave for affection, we love to get affection. The old adage that "absence makes the heart grow fonder" then would make perfect sense.

But, what about the other saying that says "out fo sight out of mind?" I can pressume that it can be interpreted as the adaptation to "craving." In simple terms, the deeper the crave the deeper the love. But, the longer the deprivation for the thing(s) we crave for, the closer the adaptation to learning to deflect the craving.

I think these statements, if valid, only show the side of human superficiality and, in essence, they are selfish. Well, there is nothing wrong with a selfish interpretation just as there is nothing wrong with a scientific interpretation, either. I was thinking today, as I watched the Guiding Light on CBS, I questioned whether the Law of Physics is valid--that for every reaction there's an equal counterreaction. If so, then could it be possible that love and hate, or goodness and evil mutually and symbiotically co-exist together.

Suddenly, I realized that love really means the absence of selfishness. When we give of ourselves to bring happiness to others, we find happiness within. Then, the Law of Physics as it regards love crumbles to pieces inside and outside of a vacuum.

Whatever the philosophy--have a nice 14th.

Only In New York

2007-02-07T20:47:00.000-05:00

It is freezing in New York: A low 12F with winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. And just as I want to get home as fast as possible I realize it is time to stop at the grocery store for a few items on my list. The usual--chicken, brussels, potatoes, bread, and milk.

I'm standing in line when this guy behind me asks me if it is ok for him to go ahead of him. I notice he has three bags of instant Chinese noodle soup so I judge that maybe he is a college student. And, given his accent he is either French or some combination thereof. After almost succumbing to peer pressure I realize that I want to get home just as much as he wants to get to his destination. I realize that my meal will take longer to make whereas all he has to do is boil some hot water. I also think long and hard, or so it seems, about the few items I have in relation to his and decide to reply that I would love to but that I also want to get home.

So I finally start emptying my red basket as he mentions to me how nice it was of me to let him go ahead of me--sarcastically, of course. I say to him that I'm sorry, but that I also want to get home. By this time, things are getting a bit awkward. I ask myself, who is this bastard? I notice he insists on being sarcastic, so I gather the nerve to snob him politely and asked him to please refrain from talking to me. At this point I'm having a difficult time understanding the humanity and in the whole surreal exchange (I can't believe this is happening) I hear the expletive: "Fuck You."

So, I gathered my two grocery bags and walk out the door as I'm wondering if the protagonist will follow me and continue with his arrogant assault and display of belligerence.

In the meantime I remember my mother when she used to refer to such people as 'mendicants with a stick,' and I wondered whether I had done the right thing. After all, this is not liberal France, this is not Communist China, this is not a Democracy (but a Republic), and darn it was cold outside. And I'm remembering Winston Churchill's words of wisdom to...

Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large
or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never
yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.

...and I'm suddenly confident that I had done the right thing.

If you have any stories for my "Only In New York" Category, feel free to email it to me.

Sugar Bowl: Will Irish Tame The Tigers

2007-01-03T20:14:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of ESPN: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The bets are on as the Fighting Irish face the LSU Tigers at the Sugar Bowl. Who will conquer? uscroger has ND victorious.

No. 11 Notre Dame (10-2)

vs.

No. 4 LSU (10-2)

What LSU needs: LSU has the chance to prove they are a talented SEC team. Their solid defense will try to put a lot of pressure on Brady Quinn. Remember that the Tigers are third in the nation in pass efficiency defense and second in total defense.

What Notre Dame needs: Brady Quinn has to simply score, score, and score some more and manage to remain calm under pressure (remember the time he threw the phone down after his dash down the midfield). If ND manages to play the same way USC did against Michigan (fast release action) they might have a chance against the talented LSU defense since the Irish don’t have enough skill on defense to deal with LSU’s offense. So far, the Irish are looking like a solid 15-point underdog. Let's hope that LSU has a foul play that the Irish can take advantage of.

The IrishTrojan writes:

This game could be over by the opening whistle of the second quarter. If it’s
not, that’s very good news for the Irish.

It remains to be seen. A lot of people expected Michigan to beat USC. The underdogs are no longer to be taken lightly. This game is going to see a lot of speed and maybe a lot of scoring underway.

Good Luck, Irish!

Point-counter-point - Saturday: Another beatdown or can the Hogs pull off a miracle? - Sports

2006-09-01T15:22:00.000-04:00

Point-counter-point - Saturday: Another beatdown or can the Hogs pull off a miracle? - Sports

Point well taken, although Mike Corsini mistakenly writes about QBooty proability of making mistakes due to an overwhelming sold-out crowd. A subtle reminder: QBooty has been there and done that!

USC Bush: The Real Deal

2006-08-25T09:45:00.000-04:00

Call him what you want--The President, The Matrix, Saint Reginald of New Orleans, Reggie. One thing is certain, #25 Reggie Bush is getting mass media attention these days due to his charitable works and strong sense of character.

USA Today features former USC Trojan, Reggie Bush: "In Bush, New Orleans truly has a Saint on its hands."
"In this area Reggie Bush is, for lack of a better word, a god," Callahan says. "I don't think there is anyone in our area who doesn't know Reggie Bush and what he's doing for the victims of the hurricane."

And, since NFL regulations don't allow Reggie to wear his 619 trademark, he will compensante by introducing his new line of cologne by the same area code.

Bush Vs. Garrett

2006-08-21T18:29:00.000-04:00

Trojan Wire had once pondered the question as to what might have been "The real reason Reggie Bush wasn't in on 4th and 2?" BoifromTroy, in a flash of genius, finds an intricate piece of datum to produce an analysis, which substantiates the conclusion, that a conspiracy was in the making at the hands of Mike Garrett that day that will live in infamy:

6. Mike Garrett, 612 carries, 3314 yards
7. Reggie Bush, 433 carries, 3312 yards

Commenter dude at Trojan Wire writes:

I get so scared when I visit that site [boifromtroy] that I'm going to see a gay naked dude pop-up ad right when a co-worker walks by my desk. Not that there's anything wrong with that!
Well, my fear just came true. Good times!

Hilarity ensues. And, speaking of Reggie Bush, here he is modeling for GQ.
More Bush's pictures, here.

mPod + iPod = mi2Pods

2006-08-17T12:25:00.000-04:00

Microsoft is on the vanguard of innovation trying to accelerate the pace way ahead of Apple with the so-called project code-named "Argo," led by Xbox executive J. Allard.

Gizmodo writes that the Microsoft Corp. MP3 Player, the Zune, might be available for the 2006 Holiday season.

I remember thinking that iPods should have a built in radio with the capability of allowing the user to buy the song currently being played at the click of a button through Internet capabilities. Now, that would be true innovation, music sales would sky-rocket, and I should be getting paid for this sort of information. Anyway, Wired writes:

Prior to Friday's announcement, some were calling the new device the "mPod" (Microsoft + iPod) killer. But given Microsoft's typically tone deaf approach to usability and Apple's market lead it will be a miracle if its next nickname isn't the "iClod" (iPod + clone + awful).

At least the mPod would have internet capabilities--according to Bloomberg News; but, I'm sticking with my iPod. Feel free to donate your iPod to us, however.

More to come,zune.

Europa - dein Name ist Feighei

2006-08-09T15:31:00.000-04:00

An article backdated 20 November 2004 is making a reappearance on the blogoshphere. Apparently, Mathias Döpfner, CEO of the large German publishing firm Axel Springer, published the article, “Europa - dein Name ist Feighei” in the German periodical Die Welt, expressing his disillusion “against the timid reaction of Europe in the face of the Islamic threat...”

Read the whole article:
Europe – Thy Name is Cowardice?

The Right To Exist

2006-08-04T08:05:00.000-04:00

From a hattip on the Irish Trojan:

"Does Japan Have the Right to Exist As a Japanese State? A reader, sympathetic to Israel but troubled by its existence as "Jewish state," asks: "Can you point me to any case in any example where you would say '[Country A] has the right to exist as a [Race B] OR [Religion C] state?' I can think of numerous claims like this by societies in the past, which are now widely condemned.""

Well, that depends on what philosophical view one adheres to. If we speak in terms of Darwinism, then only the strongest organism survives. We could also look at Kant's Categorical Imperative where "the expected consequences of an act are themselves morally neutral, and therefore irrelevant to moral deliberation." Or, maybe one can look at it in terms of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, where one must do good no matter what the outcome.

Maybe it depends on virtue, which is only present if knowledge abounds. Or, maybe, many prefer to remain stoic.

More questions than answers seem to exist. Perhaps one day religions will serve their purpose of propagating love and understanding. Till that day, Thoreau and Emerson were right in asserting that institutions create barriers and take away from individual's freedom of expression.

volokh.com [Does Japan Have the Right to Exist As a Japanese State?]

Economic Foundation

2006-08-04T07:38:00.000-04:00

While China endeavors to build a "a 27-billion-dollar train line from Beijing to the southern economic hub of Shenzhen" Germany's economic prospect is adding a boost of confidence to the European continent.

And, while browsing through the articles I couldn't pass up the picture of The twin towers of Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, Germany, which reminded me of the Twin Towers in New York City.

Well, it occurred to me that a design similar to that of Deutsche Bank, with a pentagon-like base, would make an ideal design for a memorial at Ground Zero. And, the stealthy looking buildings would enhance the feeling of superiority, patriotism, and determination. After all, wasn't the Founding Father's conviction that "rebirth" would mark a new beginning.

How Libra Are You?

2006-07-29T01:30:00.000-04:00

You are [?]% Libra

How Libra Are You?

She's One of The Guys

2006-07-29T00:43:00.000-04:00

Apparently, Senator John McCain and Senatress Hillary Rodham Clinton "...have developed an amiable relationship."

On a congressional trip to Estonia, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton astonished her traveling companions by suggesting the group do what one does in the Baltics: hold a vodka-drinking contest!

Delighted, the leader of the overseas delegation, Sen. John McCain, quickly agreed, the NEW YORK TIMES is planning to report on Saturday.

The after-dinner game went so well — memories are a bit hazy on who drank how much. McCain later told people how unexpectedly fun he found Hillary to be…

“One of the guys,” is the way McCain describes her.

She's definetely one of the guys.

Just remember to:
"Always and drink the entire shot."

Hattip:
Clinton, McCain have drinking game in Estonia! [IrishTrojan]
Drudge Report.

Resting In Peace

2006-07-28T23:01:00.000-04:00

There's a sense of emptiness at the thought of a laughter shared with a friend who no longer is.

My good friend, Tony, passed away last Saturday from quadruple by-pass complications. Today, at mass, the priest stated that "we thank God, today, for the gift of Anthony's life." He also added that the dash between the years lived and died is what is most significant about a person's life, for it reflects those years of *contribution* upon this Earth.

A gift of life from a myriad combinations genetic form creates? A dash of years gone, experience lived, fomented personality? That beginning year when a new gift created to dwell in Earthly's life splendor? Or, baptism consecrates such gift? That culminating day when "dust to dust" but none has settle?

Gone, taken away, forever--that gift of life returned to life. Erased, that gift of friendship's laughter ambulates. Forever more mischeviously, in mystery--that gift--in emptiness will lie?

And then, a question mark appears: 1934-2006?

Reminds me of Lenski aria (Ja nye sposobna k grusti tomnoy)from Eugene Onegin:

"Where have you gone, o golden days of my spring?

What does the day coming has in store for me?

It escapes my eyes, it is hidden! Shall I fall to the deadly arrow, or will it pass by?

All for better, there is a pre-determined time

For life and for sleep

Blessed is a day of simple tasks

And blessed is the day of troubles."

Such is the gift of mind in thoughts it penetrates.

BoiFromTroy

2006-07-20T22:52:00.000-04:00

I'm officially a BoiFromTroyer--a writing correspondant, that is. Officially, I should be BfT#4, but you can see me in action under Roger, and live from NY, at www.boifromtroy.com

And, here is my first article regarding ND:

"Since BoiFromTroy has taken the initiative to write about the “College Football PreSeason Poll 2006,” perhaps due to the anticipation to see the might of Troy in action, and in spite of the “horror” propaganda circulating that Notra Dame is favorite in the upcoming season, I’ve decided to offer a piece of reality check, regarding Notra Dame:"

Visit the link for the rest of the story.

Quote of The Day

2006-07-18T13:11:00.000-04:00

QoD:

"Sometimes laughter is the only possible reaction to impossible beauty."

Greg Lalas in, "To Italia, With Apologies."

Yo Bush!?

2006-07-18T11:58:00.000-04:00

The cybersphere had the excerpts and video of the George Bush's faux pas; an undiplomatic exchange with Tony Blair:

"The irony is, what they really need to do is to get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this shit, and it's over."

Eloquence is nice, but these words cut to the chase.

Now, if you're familiar with the political caste system and history of England, you'll find yourself asking the same question as I am: Is Toni Blair doomed?

The answer might be an unequivocal affirmation, considering the tabloids hailing the minister as "the U.S. Poodle....reinforces the damaging public image of Blair as the U.S. president's poodle...."

And, no wonder Toni Blair stated he will not stand for re-election in 2009.

A Rose For Emily

2006-07-18T09:56:00.000-04:00

No, not William Faulkner's 'A Rose For Emily.'

We're talking about That Girl Emily.
Gawker has more.

Hattip: BoiFromTroy

Oprah Winfrey Confession

2006-07-18T09:24:00.000-04:00

Oprah Winfrey made it clear that she's not gay:

"I understand why people think we're gay...There isn't a definition in our culture for this kind of bond between women. So I get why people have to label it -- how can you be this close without it being sexual?"

Military operations in the Middle East may now resume.

Howard Dean Screams, Again.

2006-07-17T15:59:00.000-04:00

If Howard Dean's statements are indicative of the Democrat's strategy, he should reconsider changing his platitude to something that is at least more congruent with reality.

“If you think what’s going on in the Middle East today would be going on if the Democrats were in control, it wouldn’t, because we would have worked day after day after day to make sure we didn’t get where we are today. We would have had the moral authority that Bill Clinton had when he brought together the Northern Irish and the IRA, when he brought together the Israelis and the Palestinians.”

And what *if* Dean had been elected President? No one knows for certain. What is certain, however, is the fact that this sort of rhetoric was employed by Dean in 2003; soon after, the Democratic political establishment rocketed to the top of public opinion polls nationwide. But, it wasn't the GOP that defeated Dean. Ironically, his party failed to capitalize on Dean's success and turned against him.

So far, the Democrats seem unable to organize themselves to propel a more invigorating, optimisitic platform. Dean's words should do more harm than good, considering the intellectual shadow he casts no where near them.

Coupe De Boule

2006-07-14T00:15:00.000-04:00

Not only does the World Cup affect a country's national index, but who would have thought that politics and soccer have a way to extrapolate.

Apparently, Jacques Chirac ratings have gone up with his support of Zizou Zidane. Dubya, take notes: C'est le pie!

Zidane, who butt-headed Italian player Marco Materazzi at the Final Fifa World Cup, apologized to his fans for his temper flare:

French football icon Zinedine Zidane on Wednesday said he was sorry for headbutting an Italian opponent during the World Cup final against Italy.

But he said in a French television interview that defender Marco Materazzi had deserved it for insulting him with some "very hard words" aimed at sullying his mother and sister.

That's ok, Zidane. We understand it's the the nature of the game and hardly out of character.

But, while Zidane apologizes, others turn to profit through ingenuity:

"...brothers Emmanuel and Sebastien Lipszyc, and composer Franck Lascombes penned the Caribbean zouk-influenced song and its chorus "Zidane, il a tape" ("Zidane, the hit man"), as a cure to their post-defeat disappointment."

Here's the song:

On related news, Roberto Donadoni will replace Azzurri coach, Marcelo Lippi. And, the Fifa rankings are out as follows:

1.Brazil
2.Italia
3.Argentina
4.France
5.England
...
16. USA; previous #5

Plame sues Cheney, Scooter, and Libby

2006-07-14T00:12:00.000-04:00

Ex-CIA operative Valerie Plame sues Vice President Cheney, his former aide, Scooter Libby, and presidential adviser Karl Rove. Visit CNN for the latest.

The WAPO has more, here.

Nevada Smith's (Where Football Is Religion)

2006-07-09T21:13:00.000-04:00

Entrance to the NS 2 hours before kickoff.
Getting all wrapped up in the game.
Celebrating Grosso's golazo
Outside the NS, Italian fans chant

Brazilia never fails to show up
Fans gettting a spot before the game
Azzurri is bestowed the trophy and it's all over
Azzurri enthrilled with the gold...check out the kicks
Championi del Mondo? Si
Outside celebration
flags awaving
And the squad is presented the trophy
Forza Italia! Or, else
Chanting: Franzia, Franzia va [beep]...
Oh, Dio Mio...he made some cash
Seven minutes into the second and these guys are missing the action
It was fine before the beers arrived
And then, everyone loves an Italian girl showed up
Allez, Allez Les femmes
Respect thy neighbors and keep the noise level down. Not at this match.

Azzurri Champions of the World

2006-07-09T19:58:00.000-04:00

Pictures from the Nevada Smith's-- (where Football is religion) at 74 Third Avenue in New York--coming up tomorrow, early a.m.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup™ culminated with Italy as the victorious champions. An exciting game in which a pk gave a 1-0 lead to France after a debatable foul early in the first half. But, the Azzurri quickly went on the offensive controlling the sphere for most of the first half to tie the game 1-1 after Camoranesi broke through in more than one ocassion. Soon after, Pirlo delivered a corner pitch that found Materazzi's header deep and high into the French goal.

Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso, Gianluca Zambrotta and Camoranesi were on with their game; ellusive and impressive, tactful and dead accurate. Even after Italy broke their rhythm in the first 15 minutes or so of the second half, France failed to capitalize.

Too bad Zidane decided to lose his temper, for that might have been his chance to equalize where David Trezeguet, as a replacement, missed his pk and the chance for France to shine. Fabbio Grosso optimized and rose to the challenge to deliver the decisive strike.

The roars of "Allez, les blues" subsided too soon. Italy played a fantastic game and deserve to hold the golden trophy.

Congratulations, Italia!~

Italy Vs. France

2006-07-09T09:46:00.000-04:00

The final match of the Fifa World Cup is on, with Italy versus France going at it at 1:30 p.m ET.

We'll be hanging out at Nevada Smith's (where Football is religion) at 74 Third Avenue in New York.

Overall, this game can be decided by either team.

However, Italy has a formidable advantage. Not only has a single goal been scored against the Azzurri--an autogoal during the USA Vs. Italy match--but, 10 players have scored Italy's 11 goals. That says much about Italy's defense and squad's independent ability to strike when the time is right.

Italy
The Azzurri has a dynamic squad with a solid defense. Overall, all players in the squad are highly effective. Francesco Totti will be a menace as a single striker. Midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso have will be on the offensive, a combination sure likely to give France some headaches. Watch central defenders Cannavaro and Marco Materazzi capitalize on their agility to set up a fast-paced rhythm likely to counter and neutralize any French offensive attack while providing efficient counterattack passes to Gattuso and Totti for the kill. Italy should be on the lookout for #20 TREZEGUET David and of course, Zidane.

France:
France, experienced and solid, can strike with confidence and agility, turning the tables at no time notice. The spirit of France, Zidane, can be lethal especially when assisted by Vieira and Claude Makelele. Watch Les Blues go through bursts of energy to amp their game and reduce the Azzurri's tactical positions for the over-kill. Indefatigable France's experience is relentless and will attempt to devastate Italy should they recur to their phantom foul trickery. France should beware of #18 INZAGHI Filippo and of course, Totti.

Either I'm biased or I have outmost confidence in Italy. It's fair to say Italy will be celebrating a 1-0 or 2-0 victory over France--overtime, included. This is simply a bet. But, before the fat lady has sung, Italy has to get its game together and subdue to ashes the all ubiquitous French over confidence.

Soccer, Economics, War, & Passion

2006-07-07T08:57:00.000-04:00

According to a research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology:

"A country's national stock index lags by about a half percentage point on the first trading day after its team is eliminated from the global soccer tournament."

Washington Post has it that

"According to the study, scheduled for the June 29 issue of the Journal of Finance, a World Cup loss during the group phase shaves an average 0.38 percent off a team's home stock market index. But during the knockout phase, markets fall by 0.49 percent, wiping billions of dollars off the value of investors' portfolios."

On related news, Quentin Letts, on yesterday's editorial section of the Wall Street Journal writes "English men have long prided themselves on a certain resilience...when Lord Uxbridge was hit by a cannon ball in the closing moments of the Battle of Waterloo and said, in mild surprise: "By God, I've lost my leg."

This English attribute, according to Letts, is a stark contrast to David Beckham's--"Becks"--"...lachrymose blubbing..." displayed after seeing his team, England, eliminated from the Fifa World Cup in Germany.

Mr. Letts' article, who also writes for the Daily Mail in London, is obfuscating, for he compares the courage of war to the passion and competitive spirit that unites people from different cultures of the world.

"Zeit, dass sich was dreht"

2006-06-30T16:03:00.000-04:00

The FIFA World Cup Official Hymn

performed by: Herbert Grönemeyer feat. Amadou & Mariam

Bye, Bye USC Yell Leaders?

2006-06-30T15:51:00.000-04:00

BoiFromTroy has the news that the USC Trojans Yell Leaders will be no longer. They will be replaced with "Team Trojan:"

It’s as official as I can make it. After 85 years leading the crowds at USC Football Games, inventing card stunts and makking good eye candy for this Trojan Fan, the USC Yess Leaders are HISTORY.

Coming this fall…”Team Trojan”…described as a cheer-leading group of USC students who will be stationed around the Coliseum. From what we can tell, no gymnastics, no pushups and no microphones for them…and, maybe, no tight, white sweaters.

Boifromtroy has more on "Songboys’ Last Hurrah?"

Adidas Jose +10 commercial Part #2

2006-06-30T15:03:00.000-04:00


Part 2# JOSE +10 Jose: "You, to the bench." Jose's mother: "Jose, get home, now!" Very funny Adidas Commercial Zidane, Beckham, Kaka, Beckenbauer, Kahn, Ballack, Lampard, Cisse, Riquelme, Raul, Duff, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, kuranyi, Robben,...

Adidas Jose +10 1#

2006-06-30T14:59:00.000-04:00

JOSE +10 Very funny Adidas

This is one of the nicest ads, so far. Jose picks up the coin and claims: "Soy el Capitan." (I'm the Captain)

Commercial Zidane, Beckham, Kaka, Beckenbauer, Kahn, Ballack, Lampard, Cisse, Riquelme, Raul, Duff, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, kuranyi, Robben,...

World Cup: Argentina Vs. Germany

2006-06-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

Final Update:
Argentinien zittert vor den wahren Händen Gottes

LIVE NOW:
GERMANY-ARGENTINA

UPDATE 2:
So ends the first half uneventful. Both teams getting a feel for the game. Second half should be do-or-die. Germany trying to slow down Argentina. Argentina with 64+ possession time fails to capitalize.

UPDATE1:
A tough game for the referee as tempers flare and fouls abound. An early yellow card for Germany's Podolski doesn't look good as Germany's fouling like Ghana. So, far no game has developed. Germany early dribbling a menace for Germany so far. 11+ into the game finally taking some form.

"Germany and Argentina have shared a great deal of history in the FIFA World Cup™, and they are sure to make some more when they meet in the quarter-finals on Friday."

Date
Friday, 30-Jun-06 @ 10:55 am on ESPN/2

#57: Germany Vs Argentina @ Berlin

Advantage: Argentina
+140 +175 +200

I suspect Argentina will win this match. Both teams are solid with Germany's dangerous direct strikers and Argentina's tempos and outburst of fast speed that break through the defense in a flash

Argentina's striker Crespo who can deliver some impressive performances. Germany's Phillip Lahm will be a threat to Argentina as he attacks swiftly on the left.

Note Gonzales Luis from Argentina is playing and Cambiaso will be on the substitute bench.

The same line-up for Germany as that of the game played against the Swiss.

Watch Podolski and Tevez go mano-a-mano.

Germany:
Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Frings, Ballack, Schneider, Klose, Podolski.
Subs: Asamoah, Borowski, Hanke, Hildebrand, Hitzlsperger, Huth, Jansen, Kahn, Kehl, Neuville, Nowotny, Odonkor.

Argentina:
Abbondanzieri, Sorin, Ayala, Coloccini, Heinze, Maxi, Gonzalez, Riquelme, Mascherano, Crespo, Tevez.
Subs: Aimar, Burdisso, Cambiasso, Cruz, Cufre, Franco, Messi, Milito, Palacio, Saviola, Scaloni, Ustari.

Referee:
Lubos Michel (Slovakia)

Feds Hike Rates

2006-06-29T14:30:00.000-04:00

The central bank boosted the federal funds rate by a quarter-point to 5.25 percent, the highest level in more than five years.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke:

"...some further policy firming may yet be needed to address inflation risks."

Stocks surge on the news.

More at Yahoo! Finance

Superman Returns Defies Earthly Laws

2006-06-29T10:36:00.000-04:00

Look, up in the sky. It's a bird! It's a plane! No! It's Brandon Routh, as Superman, returning to Earth after his 5-year journey in 'space' searching for his planet Krypton.

Overall, the critics are raving about 'Superman Returns' with the New York Times ranting that "[Director Brian] Singer's ... blends the thematically old with the technologically new."

Roger Ebert would counter that this retconning is merely "...big effects sequences seem dutiful instead of exhilarating." And yet, Roger Ebert is not only critical about Routh's character, he also casts his doubts about Superman's super-powers:

"Watching Superman straining to hold a giant airliner, I'm wondering: Why does he strain? Does he have his limits? Would that new Airbus be too much for him? What about if he could stand somewhere?"

Now, these are relevant questions to address.

We know scientist Jor-El once noted, "that when a native Kryptonian is elsewhere, free of Krypton's unique atmosphere and tremendous gravitational pull, he becomes a superman!" Why? It is Kryptonite that weakens the inhabitants of Krypton.

One of the reasons Superman strains while holding the giant airliner might be that Earth's atmosphere contains trace amount of Krypton--a noble colorless gas. Obviously, Krypton has low chemical reactivity, unless of course, it comes into contact with Superman.

And how to explain Superman's optical powers such as X-ray and laser vision?

We know that Routh character has tough skin--as far as Roger Ebert is concerned, but I doubt that Superman is made of steel. Maybe he is made of some Flourine isotope. After all, the Flourine in his system interacts with those traces of Krypton gas to form "krypton fluoride laser" to beam out of his Super-eyes, right?

And, Superman's ability to fly at the speed of light without his cape or hair undergoing any tear and damage? What propells Superman to reach these velocities?

Funny I bring that up. I can't understand Superman travelling at 186,000 plus miles a second--so fast that friction, at least on Earth, has nothing on him--let alone comprehend how his cape and his neat Super-Krutts hair-doo always escape the ravages of his super-speed.

Let's not be so critical, Mr. Ebert. I'm definetely going to see "Superman Returns," and try not to question why Superman strains. After all, it is just a movie.

On a final note, here's a word of caution from Space.com: "[...]Skip the 3D IMAX version...This is Superman, two dimensions will do you just fine and you can spend the extra five bucks on gummy bears." Now, that's super!

Rottentomatoes reviews, here.

Quaterfinals Schedule

2006-06-28T21:22:00.000-04:00

Date
Friday, 30-Jun-06 @ 10:55 am on ESPN/2
#57: Germany Vs Argentina @ Berlin

30-Jun-06 @ 2:55 pm on ESPN/2
#58: Italy Vs Ukraine @ Hamburg

01-Jul-06 @ 10:30 am on ABC
#59: England Vs Portugal @ Gelsenkirchen

01-Jul-06 @ 2:55 pm on ESPN/2
#60: Brazil Vs France @ Frankfurt

My picks so far with some modifications: Down 3

Villaraigosa A Big Disappointment

2006-06-28T10:13:00.000-04:00

Not to long ago, BoifromTroy had the article, "Villaraigosa jabs USC" in which he wrote:

"...the Mayor of Los Angeles still feels like he can make wisecracks at USC’s expense whilst speaking at the Westwood High commencement ceremonies."

Apparently, the Mayor of Los Angeles, recipient of a Honorary Degree from USC, derided USC:

"For the record, I addressed the graduates in West Adams on the subjects of rivalry and respect. And even though I stood before that sea of Trojans and swore my allegiance to the blue and gold, they were generous enough to confer another honorary doctorate...."

"So … you can imagine my excitement when I got a call from UCLA … When they invited me to come here today, I thought I might as well get a jump on things and order the frame! So I asked the Chancellor's office to send over the dimensions of the degree I'd be receiving. They said, 'Sorry, Mr. Mayor. We don't do honorary degrees.'You've got to earn your diploma from UCLA!'"

Today, Daily Trojan writer Patrick McFawn lectures Villaraigosa:

"Villaraigosa insulted an institution that has been kind to him and violated the principles he articulated and tried to advance. He snubbed an institution that represents the positive opportunities of Los Angeles and benefits the city. Such public statements are not becoming of a public figure and contribute to the public perception of the mayor as a "speak-to-your-crowd" politician."

USC and fUCLA have a rivalry that will never die. Although Patrick thinks that Dr. Villaraigosa insulted our institution, I differ slightly, for there's nothing wrong with sparking some fire into the rivalry.

On the one hand, how do you say something positive about a school you learn to despise. On the other hand, he accepted the Hon. Degree and by doing so he is now affiliated with the Trojan Family and should have carried himself with better deportment.

Oh, well. I doubt his Trojan constituency will be as 'kind' as USC was in handing him out something he doesn't seem to appreciate.

Round of 16--Judgement Day

2006-06-26T22:17:00.000-04:00

FINAL UPDATE:
Spain 1, France 3, Final.
This was a terrific match.

UPDATE 6:
Spain is ahead 1-0 after a penalty goal scored by villa at 28+ of 1st half. France picks up the slack and ties at 1-1 at 41+ with a goal by Frank Riberi. First half ends--note the difference in Ghana/Brazil game: No yellow cards.

UPDATE 5:
It's over for Ghana. Their faulty offside and rampamt fouling tactics cost them dearly. Brazil-3, Ghana-nada, final.

UPDATE 4:
Goal Roberto at 84+. Brazil 3, Ghana 0.

UPDATE 3:
Brazil ahead by 2 after Adriano scores at 46+. end first half with Ghana 0 plus 4 yellow cards.

Fifa Announcer:
“[…]You would not have known which side was world champions for the bulk of this match…Brazil don’t deserve to be leading, never mind leading 2-0, while some are for the match officials, whom the Ghana fans feel called a narrow offside decision wrongly in the lead-up to the holders’ second.”

UPDATE 2:
Ghana playing dirty tricks and yellow card collection ensues. I wouldn't suprise me to see 2 of Ghana's players dismissed before the first is over.

UPDATE:
Brazil ahaed 1-0 after goal by Ronaldo at 5 minutes in the game.

See my Day 1-3 Recap, here.

Today's Matches:

27-Jun-06#55 Brazil Vs Ghana @ Dortmund10:55 am
This should be an epic battle of immense proportions to Ghana. And confident Ghana is that the force will be with them in aiding them upset the Brazilenos, tomorrow--at least that's what coach Ratomir Dujkovic thinks:

"We can't be afraid of the yellow shirt...We need to make them afraid of our colours. I think we can stop them. We have the strength to do it."

That sounds like a bunch of inflamed romanticism, considering Ghana's last performances. Still, Ghana could prove difficult due to their level of physical strengh and supple agility, not to mention that they're gonna give it their 1000%. They have nothing to lose and everything to lose, but if they're going out they're going to do so in standing ovation. I doubt Brazil will let its guard down. Watch Ghana shoot at the 'cancha' at every chance they can--if they can. PS> I forgot to mention that Ghana will not be as succesful in fouling Brazilians left and right as it did against USA; Brazilians are more experienced in this area and if Ghana expects to play "dirty" again, they're in for a big surpri-z-e.

27-Jun-06#56 Spain Vs France @ Hanover2:55 pm
Two equally matched power houses will rekindle their political animosity from many years ago [pun intended]--at least on the football [soccer] field. Les Blues bring experience and their top strikers, while La Seleccion has quality youth that can handle the ball well with explosive expertise and formidable agility. This match could go either way and I expect a penalty shootout to seal the score.

Ironically, France only has its fan base to fear; after all, they're the ones who had lost confidence in their team's ability to win. Les Bleus will have much to prove to their liberal media that had given up hope at an early stage. But, after all--we're not in Switzerland or Togo, anymore--Tintin.

Here are my updated picks . So far: I'm down 2--Ecuador & Switzerland.

Stay tuned for updates, tomorrow.

Round of 16--Update

2006-06-26T10:58:00.000-04:00

UPDATE 3:
How in the world do you miss 3 consecutive penalty kicks?

Ask Switzerland who just lost 3-0 to Ukraine in a penalty shootout that had finished 0-0 in overtime. Unreal. Switzerland and Ukraine are not on my periscope, but as far as my braket picks are concerned, Switzerland deserves to have lost and that's embarrassing when you miss 3 consecutive penalty kicks. Here are the missers for the record: Marco Streller, Tranquillo Barnetta, and Ricardo Cabanas.

Tomorrow's games will prove to be more electric than today's missed opportunities, foul interpretations, and miserable loses.

UPDATE 2:
Italian Totti Francesco put an end to the Aussies on a penalty goal at 95 min plus. Overall, not bad at all for the Aussies, who reached the Round of 16 on their first presence on the world stage in 32 years

UPDATE:
The Irish-Trojan predictions are histerical. England over Brazil? I think that is also "...more of a heart pick than a brain pick." His Predictions with comments, here. It happens, I had Ecuador picked from the heart and they sure should have beat Ingland.

Round 16 of the Fifa World Cup tm is on and this past weekend matches were intense.

However, the Argentina vs. Mexico match was one of the most intense and it delighted the masses with an overtime that culminated in a Mexican elimination.

"The two teams looked evenly matched in extra-time, but Lionel Messi tipped the balance. It seemed as if Argentina would take the lead at any time thanks to his extraordinary skills."

Mexico didn't execute when it had the chance, but the talent these two teams displayed were superb.

Argentina is not the only one among the favorites. Germany, after a "...convincing 2-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 16 has unleashed a wave of optimism and euphoria, as hindsight would seem to prove every single one of Klinsmann's decisions correct." Germany will face Argentina in a match that will probably be the most intense, and crowded, so far.

England defeated undergod Ecuador but produced "...another largely unconvincing performance in their 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Ecuador on Sunday." Rumors are circulating that England did just enough to beat Ecuador, but it has more 'up its sleeves.'

That might be good since Portugal, defeated the Netherlands 1-0, will be no easy task. A costly victory for Portugal, with Costinha red-carded, England now will have a better opportunity to silence the critics and show the the World if they have "...the capability and courage to respond." Last time England played Portugal was in 1966 and England was the victor; this match should be heated.

Today's matches:

ITA:AUS (In Progress)
The Azzurri are favored over the Aussies. The Aussies will not go out easily.
SUI:UKR
Ukraine, humiliated by a 4-0 loss against Spain,is bound to lose against a power house.

My picks update, so far: I'm down one.

2006-06-25T14:52:00.000-04:00

2006-06-25T14:48:00.000-04:00

Round of 16 Schedule

2006-06-23T19:43:00.000-04:00

Here is the schedule for the Round of 16. Plus, click here [BetUs] for the
:

24-Jun-06#49 Germany Vs Sweden @ Munich10:30 am
24-Jun-06#50 Argentina Vs Mexico @ Leipzig2:55 pm
25-Jun-06#51 England Vs Ecuador @ Stuttgart10:30 am
25-Jun-06#52 Portugal Vs Netherlands @ Nuremberg2:55 pm
26-Jun-06#53 Italy Vs Australia @ Kaiserslautern10:55 am
26-Jun-06#54 Switzerland Vs Ukraine @ Cologne2:55 pm
27-Jun-06#55 Brazil Vs Ghana @ Dortmund10:55 am
27-Jun-06#56 Spain Vs France @ Hanover2:55 pm

Note: All games live on ESPN/2; except Germany/Sweden and England/Ecuador which will be broadcasted on ABC.

And here is my victory prediction:

Bracket obtained from FifaWorldCup.Yahoo and modified with office paint.

Oh, La La--Le FootBall

2006-06-23T19:03:00.000-04:00

About time the French win some ~~war~~ soccer game. They defeated Togo 2-0 and now they're bound to face a solid Spanish armada. Of course, France got a needed boost of confidence when the Swiss scored their second goal against Korea. Tres bien, garcons, tres tres bien.

On a more interesting victory, the Swiss sent South Korea packing after a 2-Zilch elimination. After eliminating the last Asian hope, Switzerland will have to battle Ukraine in the Round of 16.

Midfielder Park Ji-sung stated that the S.Korea selection "...have no regrets...From now on, Korean soccer needs to be developed more and more." A resounding quote from all teams that have been eliminated; never mind there are 4 years to prepare.

And finally, Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0. I had stated previously that the Spanish were a solid team, but a 1-0 doesn't seem to validate my statement. Perhaps they were sure they weren't struggling to jump into the Round of 16 and played a soft game to prevent injury. That's a smart tactic, Senores y senoras.

Of course, it was either Switzerland, South Korea, or France. Since Le Francais defeated Togo it is Italy vs. France Tuesday in Hanover. Andiamo Italia.

After a 2-0 loss against Ghana, the U.S.A soccer team got eliminated. Captain Claudio Reyna announced today he's retiring from International soccer. What a way to go. U.S. striker Brian McBride might follow in Reyna's steps.

What about Bruce Arena?

Who? Ah, yes--SpotOn recommends--after some political-fire addendum: "Fire Bruce Arena." Hatip from the BoiFromTroy.

The Culture of Soccer

2006-06-22T16:36:00.000-04:00

Are you feeling GUTTED? I'm not feeling gutted, but blogger Philippa's daily news planet, from England, thinks so.

Blogger, A Day In The Life of Tony Rocha on the other hand says it is disappointment:

"Was a total disappointment this World Cup. They played flat and poorly overall. The only game where they actually played like they were interested in winning was against Italy. If they played with that type of urgency the entire cup, they might have scored more than one goal for themselves.This cup, for the USA, could be compared to a #1 losing to a #16 in the college basketball tournament. The USA has been ranked #5 for the better part of the year, they should have been able to show us a little more than they did. I'd say this World Cup was more of a setback for the US than a step forward."

And while USA was ranked #5, Ghana was ranked #48, [soccerphile]my thinking is that USA did not play with ardor, confidence, and passion. While most teams looked like steel beams, USA looked like overcooked spaghetti and Al Dente against Italy.

Blogger USANow [with maps for perspective]attempts to explain that size is irrelevant and that money matters, as he ponders, 'Why is it a sports crazed nation of 300,000,000 people can't beat the Czech Republic nor Ghana?' pointing out that Ghana is "...about the size of Michigan with the population of NY City metro area" and "Czech Republic - about the size of South Carolina with the population of LA metro."

I differ completely from the idea that size matters in respect to population and money invested into sports. Soccer athletes in other parts of the world learn to play the game from the heart and soul and they learn to combine that passion to their skills to become solid players. Soccer, in all of its essence and splendor, is like a culture molded at an early age. It runs in the genes.

When soccer becomes an obsession in the USA--like apple pie or the Constitution--talented players will begin to flourish. But for now, the minute USA fan-base will continue to feel disappointed and frustrated for losing, while the rest of the world feels GUTTED when their teams lose.

USA 1, Ghana 2--Final

2006-06-22T12:10:00.000-04:00

UPDATE:
I just want to say Italy vs. USA amounted to 3 red-carded players. Ghana had 40+ fouls against the USA. It is obvious to me that Ghana played a dirty game, meticulously fouling Americans players left and right. The referee did not enforce the rules and simply handed out Ghana a few warning cards to pacify any protesters. Damn the referee.

It's Italy and Ghana from Group E of the Fifa World Cup tm.

USA was eliminated after its defeat, today. More on the story, here.

Ok, so my calculations were wrong, but at least optmimistic. Should have eliminated that margin for error.

Up next, Ghana vs. Brazil? Who cares.

World Cup: Technical Analysis--USA

2006-06-21T10:57:00.000-04:00

It is interesting to note that individual goalkeeper's saves for a given team have the following attribute: The higher the number of saves, the lower the potential its team has of advancing to the Round of 16--with some few exceptions.

Costa Rica and Paraguay had a record 15 goalkeeper saves each. They are packing to go home. Ghana has 14 saves and Poland 13--Poland is going home, but Ghana has to face USA. The only exeptions to this rule are Ecuador with 10 saves but with 6 points, Netherland with 10 saves and 6 points, Switzerland with 10 saves and 4 points, and Sweden with 8 saves and 5 points. In the exception, these four teams are atop of their respective groups and Round of 16 bound.

This could mean the following for the teams with most statistical saves in term of figures:

Either the team has a bad defense and strategy, or the team has a hell-of-a goalkeeper. We will assume the former.

What does that mean for USA?

Since United States tied Italy 1-1 in a match where USA dominated with 9 players for most of the second half, it is highly probable that the United States will qualify for the Round of 16--granted they beat Ghana plus meets one of about 7 scenarios. The most relevant scenarios are:

1. Italy defeats the Czech Republic
2. Italy ties Czech 0-0 or 1-1 and US beats Ghana by at least 4.
3. Italy ties Czech 2-2 or higher and US beats Ghana by 5 or more.
4. Same as 3 plus US scores at least 3 more goals than the Czechs.
5. Czech beats Italy and combined margin of victory for Czechs and USA is 6 or more.
6. Czech beats Italy and combine margin of victory for Czechs is five plus US scores at least 3 goals more than Italy.
7. Czech beats Italy and combine margin of victory for Czechs is five and US scores exactly 2 more goals tahn the Italians do in their defeat plus US wins a drawing of lots by FIFA. [from the Associated Press]

Their first loss against the Czech Republic could be attributed to lack of confidence. USA proved to the whole world what is capable of doing after tying against Italy in a guts and glory performance.

The Czech republic has 5 goalkeeper's saves, which would imply, in the context of this analysis, that it has the potential for defeating Italy (4 saves) or perhaps tying the game. Yet, using the 4 teams exceptions as margin for errors, my take is that Italy will defeat the Czechs by at least 2 points.

Ghana will be without two good players in Gyan and Muntari. Although USA will be without Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope, red-carded at the Italy-USA game, USA can easily adjust with equally talented replacements.

If USA plays a better game than it played against Italy--which is a high possibilty, since teams only get better as their experience and confidence improve--we could see USA defeat Ghana by at least 2 goals. In addition, USA must get in good position and attack the post to secure its chances for extra goal(s).

In summary, according to my analysis, USA has a 90% chance to advance to the Round of 16 by beating Ghana by at least 2 goals and Italy defeating the Czechs by at least 2 goals.

My optimistic outlook:
USA 2, Ghana 0
Italy 3, Czech Republic 0
USA advances.

Let's see if my chaotic theory holds.

Soccer News--iTunes

2006-06-20T22:06:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow's matches:

Group C
NED:ARG
Whether Netherlands or Argentina lose, they will advance. Tied up at 6 points they will likely compete fiercely for first place in Group C. Should be a good match up.

CIV:SCG

No chances for Côte d’Ivoire nor Serbia and Montenegro. They will be competing for an honorable exit from the World Cup.

Group D

POR:MEX

Two dynamic teams that haven't lost a game--yet. Watch a strong Portugal try to win big against a supple Mexican team. Both teams will likely advance.

IRN:ANG

Iran hasn't won diddli-doo, so it will do its best to defeat Angola as they both prepare to exit the World Cup.

Results June 20th: Fifa World Cup 2006:

ECU:GER--0:3

Ecuador was no match for the Germans. A sellout crowd of 72,000 watched Germany, on top of group A, defeat Ecuador 0-3. Ecuador now with 6 points and Germany with 9 are likely to advance.

CRC:POL--1:2

Costa Rica lost to Poland and has zero points. Last place in group A and out of the tournament. A victory in style for Poland, but also out of World Cup.

SWE:ENG--2:2

A tie, Sweden (5 points) and England (7 points), group B, will advance to the Round of 16..

.
PAR:TRI--2:0

The Soca Warriors leave without any goals nor victories. Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobabo out of the World Cup.

On related news:

iTunes has Soccer songs. Here's a sample of Beautiful Goal by Paul Oakenfold:

Group E Stats--USA

2006-06-19T12:27:00.000-04:00

Watching the game USA vs. Italy, it almost felt like a basketball strategy. USA moved near the goal post and Italy defended close by. USA should have taken more chances with long shots, but that didn't happen--much. In the end, USA played defense and Italy could easily have scored, since it gave Italy more control of the ball and left the field open in their favor.

Anyway, here are some interesting figures for Group E:

"We asked our readers which combination of teams was most likely to go through to the second round, reminding them that the USA and Ghana can only qualify at each other’s expense. A total of 39% opted for Italy and Ghana, followed by 25% for Italy and the USA, 22% for Italy and Czech Republic, 9% for Ghana and Czech Republic and 4% for the USA and Czech Republic.

Closer examination of the voting patterns shows that English language readers have far more faith in the ability of the USA to qualify than those in the rest of the world, with 33% of Anglophones believing such a feat possible, as opposed to 26% of non-English voters.

The Italy-Ghana coupling is the favourite to succeed according to 63% of Italian readers, but this is nothing compared to the emphatic 88% of voters across the site’s nine language versions who think Italy will qualify come what may."

Come what may, USA Team must defeat Ghana in style to stay alive and have a good chance to advance to the Round of 16.

Daily Soccer

2006-06-19T11:44:00.000-04:00

UPDATE:
"Switzerland surged to top of Group G [4 points]with a convincing 2-0 win over Togo in Dortmund on Monday, 19 June which leaves the Helvetians leading the section on goal difference." [FifaWorldCup.Yahoo]

Goals from Alexander Frei and Tranquillo Barnetta in the 16th and 88th minute respectively. The Helvetians surge to the top of group G on goal difference.

Today's Matches:
TOG:SUI
15:00 Group G FIFA World Cup Stadium, Dortmund

ESP:TUN
21:00 Group H Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion
A lot of expectations surrounding Spain after their 4-0 victory over Ukraine. A win of the same caliber against Tunisia would grant Spain a pass to the Round of 16.

KSA:UKR
18:00 Group H FIFA World Cup Stadium, Hamburg
Ukraine must do well to stay alive.
In Progress

Yesterday's Matches:

BRA:AUS
2:0 (0:0)
Group F FIFA World Cup Stadium, Munich
Australia still has a chance to advance to the next Round of 16. Only sore loser with Brazil's victory over Australia is France. It leaves France with just two points while Korea Republic has four. The Socceros all booked for next round.

JPN:CRO
0:0
Group F Franken-Stadion
Japanese goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi saved Darijo Srna's penalty, thus ending a scoreless match in frustration for both teams. Japan last in group F with one point and Croatia ahead only on goal difference in third place.

FRA:KOR
1:1 (1:0)
Group G Zentralstadion
Les Bleus were not too happy with Park Ji-Sung goal which culminated with Korea tying the game. Korea is now on top of group G. Thierry Henry scored for le garcons du France.

Michelson Collapses, Ogilvy Wins

2006-06-19T10:03:00.000-04:00

Gee! It is only the US Open, so who cares, right? Only in New York.

As Casey points out, "Keep in mind that Mickelson could have easily just pitched out to the fairway, thrown a wedge up on the green, and tried to nail the par putt. If he makes the putt, he wins the tournament outright. If he misses, he gets into a playoff. That was undoubtedly the percentage play."

Sure, Mickelson had a two-shot lead with four holes to play. Now, granted he wasn't near the fairway with driver throughout most of his game, he should have pitched out to the fairway.

But, Mickelson had other plans:

"If I would make par, I'd win the tournament...I just thought, 'I can slice this.' I thought I'd just put the 3-iron on the green -- or if not on it, around it -- and get up and down."

In all honesty, Mickelson's decision to go for par was wreckless--even if he had made it.

Not to worry, though, for Mickelson's attempt ended in double bogey, which simply handed Geoff Ogilvy the first Australian title in 25 years.

Needless to say, Ogilvy who finished at 5-over 285--an added perk of being the "first time a U.S. Open champion finished over par since Andy North at Cherry Hills in 1978."

Educated presumption? Erratic speculation? When does enough risk-taking becomes unnecessary? It is difficult to say. Perhaps, Mickelson felt confident that he would win big. But, considering the difficulty most players were having, gambling should have been out of his equation.

After such dissappointment, Mickelson answered to his fans: "I still am in shock that I did that. I just can't believe that I did that...I am such an idiot."

We believe.

Open next: Oakmont in Pennsylvania

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