Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Democrats endorse Caprio, Cicilline -> projo.com

State Dems turn on the Brother's Lynch, endorse Providence Mayor.

From: http://ping.fm/Rr0lT

Monday, June 14, 2010

World Cup, Day 5

Well, the World Cup is in full steam now and I can officially be declared obsessed. My picks haven't been terribly accurate thus far. My call of a US/England tie was about the only longshot that's panned out. Therefore, going forward, I've decided to take a closer look at what the real experts might say about my picks.

Match 1:  New Zealand v. Slovakia
My pick: Draw
My Confidence: Low, low, low

Checking out the live odds from Footytube.com gives a rough idea of how dim my prospects are tonight. Slovakia is heavily favored against New Zealand with the chances of a draw running about 4/1 against. I suppose that isn't too terrible considering the number of draws we've all ready seen.  I'll just have to keep my fingers cross that the kiwi squad can play better than expected - but not so much better that they win. But after my Denmark v. Netherlands draw hopes were ended by an embarrassing own-goal last night I don't have a lot of faith in those odds.

Match 2:  Portugal v. Ivory Coast
My Pick: Portugal
My Confidence: Comfortable

Footy is giving Portugal a slight edge over Ivory Coast with the odds of a draw roughly equal to those for an Ivory Coast win. I've got Portugal in this one based on the Sports Illustrated Power-Rankings, but those odds are little close for my comfort. Even still, barring a considerably worse than expected performance on the part of Portugal, I should be able to sneak by with this one.

Match 3: Brazil v. DPRK
My Pick: Draw
My confidence: Irrationally high.

Bare with me on this one. Footy's odds reflect the simple truth that only a madman or a moron would bet in favor of our plucky little neighbors to the North (which means Dear Leader almost certainly is - zing!).  Generally speaking, like to think I'm neither of those things. Even so, I took the leap of faith and called it a draw. Here's why. Most of the reports I've heard about Chollima suggest they are substantially underrated in one key area - their defense. If they can manage to hold the line against Brazil they might just be able to force a draw. Of course, if Brazil scores even once, it's likely over for them. But with the odds so stacked against them, the North Koreans have got to know that all they have to do to win is not lose. Odds of a draw are running 9/1 against at best. It may be a long shot, but it's the most rational long shot I've made yet.

All tolled, I think I can make it through today with at least accurate prediction in my column. I'll be relying on the defensive skills of Chollima and good old fashioned luck for the rest.

- Frog

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Matt Reis, back for the Revs?

This isn't my normal type of post, but the idea of the New England Revolution's top keeper coming off the disabled list makes me all sorts of happy. After the year these guys have been having, they need all the help they can get.

- Frog

From: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/mls/SIG=1271opeqd/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=ap-mls-revolution-goalkeepers