Wow. This is it. This is for all the marbles. The winnerr of this game most likely wins the SEC east, could win the SEC out right, and could go to the national championship. Not to mention this is the last time the seniors ever get to play in Jacksonville. There are countless side stories, the dace party from last year, GA maybe coming out in ALL RED, recruiting. For UGA and UF this is the Superbowl. This is how I see things playing out: Georgia has the better team but Florida has looked better all year. I think the coaching staff for UGA has been saving up for this game. I think Georgia will run Knowshon early much the same way they did last year. If the O line is getting a push early look for UGA to work off of that (play action pass). The ideal situation for GA is to kill the clock with long drives like the ones we have been seeing the past couple of weeks. FL's defensive line is not as strong as LSU so I fully expect Knowshon to go over 100 yards and basically carry UGA to a win. UGA wins 35 - 17 Here are some players to watch for:
Knowshon: He is the key to the win. If he has a good game GA wins. Watch for the O line to make huge holes to run through. 25 carries 140 yards 2 TD's (player of the game)
Matt Stafford: UF will crowd the line in order to stop the running game. This is give Stafford 1 ..s on the outside. I think it would be better of Stafford to throw less but with big results when he does throw. No turnovers is key. 16 of 26 for 240 yards 1 TD.
The O line - The young guys up front have been playing exceptionally well considering the adversity they have faced. They are going aginist a weaker and injured defense. They could dominate this game.
Rennie Curren - FL plays a speed game so look for the little quick "dart" to play a big role in stopping movent to the outside. Rennie should get 10 tackles.
Reshad Jones - The QB of the defense has been progressing in his first season as starter. Jones will have to be very diciplined with FL. One busted coverage or missed tackle could be a TD.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
La Boca
A few months ago, at the start of my trip, I went to La Boca. La Boca is an interesting place with an interesting history. "La Boca" translated means "the mouth" that is a pretty good way to describe this place. Literally La Boca is the mouth of a river and a heavy industrial center. Ships are docked on the river front and you can see factories off in the distance. La Boca is also the birth place of soccer in Argentina Argentina
Yesterday I was lucky enough to get to walk off the path that I first saw and see the other reality of La Boca distinct for the tourism and colored buildings - more human. We (our group) visited a group of people that were poor and homeless and decided to work together and build a community. Much in the same way people in the past decided to build el caminito as a for of solidarity and community, these people also decided to build buildings and unify themselves. The were many different branches, some local some governmental and some individual, basically these people worked in a co-op and banned their labor together. Some people were able to work in order to build apartments other people pay a very reduced rent. The common thread that runs through everything is a sense of community and togetherness that you can not fake. The feeling of being a part of a whole comes as much from sharing a bathroom with 20 others as it does from knowing that everyone is literally dependent on the work of the group for food, housing, health care, and support. I truly believe that this type of feeling can only exist in small groups where resources are communal.
For me one striking element of the trip was the use of space among the group. You can really see and understand the close contact that the people of co-op must have when you are in their spaces. First of all there is very little structure to the space. An office functioned as a living room, nursery, and computer room just as much as a place to get work done. As we walked through a door there was a small kitchen with and a hallway with construction tools. The large room was open but within the open space there were dividers of stills that separated the living space of one family and another's. The doors to each living area were nothing more than a old piece of wood or a curtain. Standing there you could hear all at once the crying of children, noise from the street, and sound of voices of various people. The only thing separating this space for the street was a haphazard building that had many holes large enough for a bird to make a nest and sunlight to shine through. In fact the building was so bad you could see the dripping water from the upstairs neighbor's bathroom.
You would never know by talking to anyone in this co op that they were unhappy with there living situation - quite the opposite in fact. Everywhere you looked you say smiling faces full of life. And the people were proud. There was no shame in the eyes of these people. They were more than willing to tell you how difficult it is to get the government to help.
Yesterday I was lucky enough to get to walk off the path that I first saw and see the other reality of La Boca distinct for the tourism and colored buildings - more human. We (our group) visited a group of people that were poor and homeless and decided to work together and build a community. Much in the same way people in the past decided to build el caminito as a for of solidarity and community, these people also decided to build buildings and unify themselves. The were many different branches, some local some governmental and some individual, basically these people worked in a co-op and banned their labor together. Some people were able to work in order to build apartments other people pay a very reduced rent. The common thread that runs through everything is a sense of community and togetherness that you can not fake. The feeling of being a part of a whole comes as much from sharing a bathroom with 20 others as it does from knowing that everyone is literally dependent on the work of the group for food, housing, health care, and support. I truly believe that this type of feeling can only exist in small groups where resources are communal.
For me one striking element of the trip was the use of space among the group. You can really see and understand the close contact that the people of co-op must have when you are in their spaces. First of all there is very little structure to the space. An office functioned as a living room, nursery, and computer room just as much as a place to get work done. As we walked through a door there was a small kitchen with and a hallway with construction tools. The large room was open but within the open space there were dividers of stills that separated the living space of one family and another's. The doors to each living area were nothing more than a old piece of wood or a curtain. Standing there you could hear all at once the crying of children, noise from the street, and sound of voices of various people. The only thing separating this space for the street was a haphazard building that had many holes large enough for a bird to make a nest and sunlight to shine through. In fact the building was so bad you could see the dripping water from the upstairs neighbor's bathroom.
You would never know by talking to anyone in this co op that they were unhappy with there living situation - quite the opposite in fact. Everywhere you looked you say smiling faces full of life. And the people were proud. There was no shame in the eyes of these people. They were more than willing to tell you how difficult it is to get the government to help.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Georgia vs. LSU preview
This is a big game a turning point for both teams. If Georgia loses this game then everyone will have to agree that this season was never going to be a great as everyone thought. LSU on the other hand has the chance to beat UGA and have a great season in a year when most would not have though it was only going to be good. Here are the back stories: Georgia is reeling (or so it seems). Georgia has managed to win but not very convincingly for the entire season. On top of everything about half the team (no stretch) has gone down at some point in the season. Georgia looks beatable (and I think the coaches want it that way). I have a hunch that UGA is going to break out some plays that they have been saving and show LSU that we only look weak. I would not be surprised to see some tricks (maybe a half back pass, wide receiver pass, or maybe a double pass). Before you see the trick you will see the O line run the rock. If that works look for the passing game to open up. Players to watch:
Knowshawn M: Look for Richt to feed the beast. Look for a dominant performance. The other running back could make a big impact as well 25 carries, 150 yards, 2 TDs
Matt Stafford: After a couple of games with picks look for Matt to manage the game. I expect a couple of long passes at select times and a well managed game. The screen game should be working. 25 for 34, 250 yards 1 TD
Reshad Jones: Jones played his best game of the year at safety. LSU is very similar to UGA so Jones should be able to read their offense. 8 tackles, 1 fumble or interception
The O line (players of the game): They WILL surprise and there will be running room - injuries and all.
Georgia wins 35 - 17
Knowshawn M: Look for Richt to feed the beast. Look for a dominant performance. The other running back could make a big impact as well 25 carries, 150 yards, 2 TDs
Matt Stafford: After a couple of games with picks look for Matt to manage the game. I expect a couple of long passes at select times and a well managed game. The screen game should be working. 25 for 34, 250 yards 1 TD
Reshad Jones: Jones played his best game of the year at safety. LSU is very similar to UGA so Jones should be able to read their offense. 8 tackles, 1 fumble or interception
The O line (players of the game): They WILL surprise and there will be running room - injuries and all.
Georgia wins 35 - 17
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Rock the Vote
Today after class I followed Blake to the American Embassy to vote. I just wanted to see what the Embassy was like. Of course on the way over there I was of the opinion that I didn't need to vote, I would be represented indirectly, it was a waste of time. Everyone who knows me surely has had similar conversations with me over the years. Blake played devils advocate and said basically even if the vote doesn't count it stands for something - which I agreed with. By the time we got to the voting place I had already went through most of the process of voting. I was there, I went through security, I talked to the correct people, I was waiting in line. I was beginning to wonder if I could vote. So I made a deal with myself (and to Blake to a lesser degree). If it was possible for me to vote then I would. When my turn came I asked the guy and I could vote. All I had to do was fill out 3 pieces of paper and that was it. It was easier than most visits to the Doctor. OBAMA! First time I've ever voted. I even got a little sticker.
Tango list update!
Wow last night I did something totally unexpected, totally spontaneous. I was with Blake and Will headed to Katie's birthday celebration. It was a little wet outside and a little cold so we decided to split a cab. Blake suggested crossing the street b/c the traffic was running in the wrong direction. That turned out to be a fateful decision. We hailed the cab, Blake and Will got in the back and me in the front. As we were leaving I said half joking to the cabbie that I would like to drive. He said something in Spanish and then asked me if I knew how to drive. I said yes. Then he pulled the cab over at the next block and let me drive. I could not believe it. Will and Blake were shocked as well. I drove very carefully (in rain, in a car I had never driven before, in the dark). I stalled the car a couple of times. The car needed more gas than I was used to giving and I didn't want to over do it. I got us there fine and had a blast doing it. I wish I would have had taken some pictures but of course how can you anticipate a moment like that.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Wal Mart (Argentina)
Wal Mart (Argentina) Today I ventured out of the Capital to go to Wal Mart. I was not particularly interested in buying anything I was more interested in seeing the "Wal Mart way" as applied to Argentina. Would they use the same business methods? Would the store be set up like a typical U.S. Wal Mart? Are they going to carry American brands and simply sell them at a lower price in Argentina? Keep in mind that in Buenos Aires business is done very diffrently than where you would find Wal Mart. Everything is urban and family owned. Typically stores a small shops and discount stores are rare. All of these things were intresting enough for me to make the one hour trip out of the city.
Well Wal Mart is pretty much exactly the same physically as you are used to in the U.S. Dark blue warehouse style building, all the slogans are the same only translated to Spanish (Low prices everyday = Bajos pricos todos los dias). The workers wear thoes vests and there is a door greeter (they were even old and febel). The store set up is exactly the same. Fruits and veggies when you walk in and a row of small shops (McDonalds, eye center, hair place) by the check out. I knew the layout of the store almost without thinking. The items in the store were typical of a large supermarket and electronics and clothing store combined. There were not a lot of rare American items. I did find Hinz ketcup and a few other things. One intresting element of the store was that there was a Holleween display with masks and candy. Holleween is not celebrated in Argentina so I was suprised to see that.
I didn't really enjoy the experience to tell you the truth. I was in a very American store but I was surrounded by Argentine city people. Everything was so crouded. No one walked correctly. They have not been correctly taught the Wal Mart walk. For example: if you are going to look at something for an extended period of time pull your ass over and scoot your F*@%!N cart out of the isle. Oh and this little jewel: Your adorable little 4 year old spanish speaking daughter is going to get trampled if you let her run out into a Wal Mart highway. Everything was worse because Wal Mart was connected to a huge mall. It isn't like in Georgia where there is about five football fields of parking and then just Wal Mart and a couple of little stores. Everything was mixed. I was really stressed the whole time. To add insult to injury there was no self check out but I still had to bag my own crap. The lines were crazy long with people clipping coupons and trying to save a few pesos. I just bought a buch of junk food (and a cool blow up pillow for camping) to feel like I was doing something. When I finally got to the front of the line I was short 5 pesos (1.35$). Of course I wasn't going to get out of line and I didn't want to use my card (they charge) so I put back the ketchup. I was kind of shocked at how much I spent (32.00$). I guess it isn't a huge amount but I thought it would be less. I mean this is Wal Mart isn't it
Well Wal Mart is pretty much exactly the same physically as you are used to in the U.S. Dark blue warehouse style building, all the slogans are the same only translated to Spanish (Low prices everyday = Bajos pricos todos los dias). The workers wear thoes vests and there is a door greeter (they were even old and febel). The store set up is exactly the same. Fruits and veggies when you walk in and a row of small shops (McDonalds, eye center, hair place) by the check out. I knew the layout of the store almost without thinking. The items in the store were typical of a large supermarket and electronics and clothing store combined. There were not a lot of rare American items. I did find Hinz ketcup and a few other things. One intresting element of the store was that there was a Holleween display with masks and candy. Holleween is not celebrated in Argentina so I was suprised to see that.
I didn't really enjoy the experience to tell you the truth. I was in a very American store but I was surrounded by Argentine city people. Everything was so crouded. No one walked correctly. They have not been correctly taught the Wal Mart walk. For example: if you are going to look at something for an extended period of time pull your ass over and scoot your F*@%!N cart out of the isle. Oh and this little jewel: Your adorable little 4 year old spanish speaking daughter is going to get trampled if you let her run out into a Wal Mart highway. Everything was worse because Wal Mart was connected to a huge mall. It isn't like in Georgia where there is about five football fields of parking and then just Wal Mart and a couple of little stores. Everything was mixed. I was really stressed the whole time. To add insult to injury there was no self check out but I still had to bag my own crap. The lines were crazy long with people clipping coupons and trying to save a few pesos. I just bought a buch of junk food (and a cool blow up pillow for camping) to feel like I was doing something. When I finally got to the front of the line I was short 5 pesos (1.35$). Of course I wasn't going to get out of line and I didn't want to use my card (they charge) so I put back the ketchup. I was kind of shocked at how much I spent (32.00$). I guess it isn't a huge amount but I thought it would be less. I mean this is Wal Mart isn't it
Friday, October 10, 2008
Georgia vs. Tennessee preview
Georgia suffered a huge let down two weeks ago vs. Alabama. The coaching staff has had a week off to fix the mistakes. Playing at home and vs. a team that is struggling should be a big help. Tennessee has given UGA problems in the past however they are without their offensive coordinator from previous years and they are also without a QB that is as proven as previous years. I think Georgia will play very conservative on offensive and very aggressive on defense. The coaches have had to make some changes (middle linebacker, tight end, o - line). I expect all these changes to be productive. Most of all the running game will be helped by having our blocking fullback healthy. Knowshon will run for over 100 yards - that will open up the passing game. Just like the last half of last season. Dawgs win, not pretty but progess for two weeks ago. 35 - 17. Players to watch for:
Knowshon - The coaches will want to get off to a solid start. 25 plus carries and 100 plus yards. Caleb King could see a lot of action if Knowshon elbow is a prolbem.
Matt Stafford - I think the Tennessee secondary will get exposed when it matters. I don't think Matt will have a huge day passing but I do think he will have his chances. (200 yards)
A.J. Green - I think A.J. will make a couple of long plays down field as the defense trys to shut down the running game.
Reshad Jones - All the talk coming in is about Tennessee's safty. R. Jones will play just as well for UGA.
Rennie Curren - Solid as always. New leader of the Defense with Ellerbe out.
I don't think any one player will stand out in this game. Strong team effort is all we need and that is what we will get.
Knowshon - The coaches will want to get off to a solid start. 25 plus carries and 100 plus yards. Caleb King could see a lot of action if Knowshon elbow is a prolbem.
Matt Stafford - I think the Tennessee secondary will get exposed when it matters. I don't think Matt will have a huge day passing but I do think he will have his chances. (200 yards)
A.J. Green - I think A.J. will make a couple of long plays down field as the defense trys to shut down the running game.
Reshad Jones - All the talk coming in is about Tennessee's safty. R. Jones will play just as well for UGA.
Rennie Curren - Solid as always. New leader of the Defense with Ellerbe out.
I don't think any one player will stand out in this game. Strong team effort is all we need and that is what we will get.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Birthday vote
So my birthday is a little over a week away. Everyone please vote on my birthday blog. I still plan to do the winning activity. Right now sky dive is winning by a large margin. So as an added incentive to vote (for anyone that hasn't already) I will most likely do the second place activity also.
Drop it like it is hot
A couple of days ago I had a little conversation with my program director. Basically she was wondering why I haven't been going to my internship. My answer was that I do not like it and I felt like it was a waste of my time. I spent six hours in a office filing papers and books. I wasn't learning and I didn't like it so I quit going. I told her I would rather fail than continue going to this every week. I think she was shocked. We spent 20 minutes going over how she thought I was rude for not putting forth more of an effort. Maybe she is right but my basic feeling is...I didn't pay money and commit my time to do something I don't think is helping. Personally I think it is rude to ask someone to continue to do something that they have already said they don't like - something that stresses them. So she agreed that I could get an F for the class and stop going. First F at UGA. I guess you can cross off the get all A's from the Tango list.
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