Elderberries and Hocus Pocus?

US vs BRAZIL TODAY- (maybe even right now if you just woke up).  8:30aPT on ESPN.

THIS will be big.  Our ladies have won the last 4 meetings 1-0 since that devastating loss to Brazil at the '07 cup. Abby Wambach should be back to normal and Heather O'Reilly's status is still up in the air.

for a slightly more in-depth story....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/


 Wine & Cheese top Fish & Chips
"Your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of Elderberries".  Not quite verbatim, but that's basically what France was saying as they stole a win from England by beating them in a match that went to Extra Time and then on to Penalty Kicks.  The Frenchies will play in their first ever Semi-final vs the winner of US/Brazil in it's quest for the Holy Grail of Soccer.

More Sushi!
Japan played the most tactical game of the tournament outlasting Germany to score in the 108th minute.  Yes, another game going to Extra Time.  That's 120 minutes of running....without a break for Sake!  This was one of those epic battles that doesn't fill the stat sheet.  Like a Muhammad Ali rope-a-dope, Japan orchestrated the chess match.  Maruyama played the part of the Knight putting the Deutsch in Check, with an assist from Sawa, the Queen.  Germany tried in vain in desperate chances late in Extra Time, but came up short.  Check Mate.

To really give the flavor of our jaunt yesterday, I bought you a drink.  Local Karl Heidrich Riesling or a dark Franziskaner weissbier.  your choice.  my treat. enjoy.








Kodak Moment
ya know when you set the timer on your camera for that stereotypical group shot? ...It is usually accompanied by 8 seconds of small talk and 2 seconds of a cheesy smile.  Well, this was the exception. As I set the camera and positioned myself among the group, our buddy Will, in a very strong, manly voice said, " dude, hand me my Riesling."  The irony made us all burst with legit laughter....just in time for the snap!

Shaun Coy, Erick the Valdes,  Rüsselldorf VonLathrop, Will Dorney, Bill Palladino.

Ipswich Town Stat of The Day.
England National teams are now 0-4 in Penalty Kick during World Cup play. ouch!
This has been the IPTN Stat-O-Day, brought to you by Applesauce, which gives that extra energy to help you play longer than girls.




Music o da Day.
our World Famous iPod Operator, Fluff shouts out props to his peeps. Boston based Sonic Disorder rocks it heavy.  yo Dunn Bros!-Try this on for size:
http://www.sonicdisorder.com/Sonic_Disorder/Music.html

also today, Timbers vs Sounders. 1pPT ESPN
http://www.portlandtimbers.com/






The Daily Døpplégångér DoubleShot-
Kim Kulig and Bette Midler from Hocus Pocus.

We may have cursed miss Kulig by naming her our DDD before the game started...hmmm maybe we should find a Doppelganger for Marta????

walking through history.

more randomness from historic Germany.

When one has a day off in a foreign country, one should always make the best of it.

and so we did....

An hour ride on the S-Bahn took our motley gang of 14 to the tiny hamlet of Bacharach, situated on the steep hill sides of the Rhine River,  amongst countless vineyards. A feast for the eyes.

Leaving the train station, the first image our eyes were treated to was exactly what one conjures up when thinking about German Villages:  cobblestone streets, outdoor cafes and old churches- almost as cool as Epcot Center!  Our gang of Touristas wandered and snapped hundreds of picts on our CoolPix, CyberShots, FlipCams and 5Ds. ( I shoulda brought my 1983 Disc Camera).

Quarterfinals today. Win or Go Home.
In an odd WW2 pairing, the Allies of England and France face each other at 9aPT.  Then Axis powers Japan and Germany battle at 11:45aPT.   hmmm.
World #2 ranked Germany have the better team, have that home field advantage and have better players (with fun names to try to pronounce!).  Japan counters with a #4 ranking and a monster threat on Free Kicks.  Watch for Miyama and Sawa- She became the oldest player to ever score a hat trick at the WWC, at 32+ years vs Mexico in the second match.
For France/England, my bet is on the Brits. This is Kelly Smith's time to shine.

OH- and don't forget to set the timer on your Krups automatic coffeemaker to 8a on Sunday in order to wake up and watch the US/Brazil match at 8:30aPT.  Pour another cup at 1p and watch my Portland Timbers play those hosers from Seattle

Back to Bacharach.  

that's a mini-me version of Erick the Valdez at the bottom

We hiked up the skinny streets and up into the vineyard, then up into the vineyard tower. Yes, I know I keep using the word 'up'.  That is entirely on purpose, because this is a very vertical town.  It feels like every walk we take is Up. (also a great movie, by the way).  I am constantly amazed at the incline of the hills that these grapevines grow on.  Primarily know for Riesling, the area has a unique advantage to vintners.

The Steeg Valley opens to the Rhine at Bacharach and above the town, a great east-to-west slate hillside presents a giant, steep, south-facing slope of slate and shale to the sun.  The river reflects the sun onto the slate terraces all day and this warmth is then released by the stone throughout the night, ensuring a long growing season for the Riesling vines planted there and long, slow maturation for their grapes, locking in deep, concentrated fruit flavors.

Across from the vineyard tower sits the Wernerkapelle, a chapel built to honor a young boy killed under mysterious circumstances and which created a possible false legend.  Constructed from 1287 to 1430, it was destroyed in 1689 when the French attacked Castle Stahleck and rubble rained down on the chapel. Which brings us yet to another level of Up.


As we ascended the steep trail through the trees I spotted a lady in t-shirt with 'Willamette' printed on it. What the?  I had to stop and ask. She is a school teacher from Eugene, Oregon. wow, small world eh?

The Castle Stahleck offers views reminiscent of what you see from Vista Point in the Columbia River Gorge, just more populated.  From here, you get the birds-eye view of what Bacharach is all about; trains, boats, vineyards, hills, rivers, castles etc.   The earliest document mentions this castle in 1135, in connection with Lord Goswin von Stahleck.  Changing hands countless times through war, politics and once even through a deceitful marriage, this place has experienced more drama than JR Ewing and Jack Bauer combined.  Mostly destroyed in battles from 1620 through 1644, then rebuilt in 1909, the castle is now home to a Youth Hostel.

It seems that every tourist is drawn to the center of town and for obvious reasons. From this main intersection, you can sit at an outdoor cafe in the shadow of circa 1597 St Peters Church, drink wine made from grapes harvested just up the hill you hiked, watch cyclists on tour or be jealous of the all motorcycle riders.   We sampled the Riesling and a local Red, that I can't pronounce.  The non-English speaking waitress assured this non-German speaking yahoo that it was from this area...I think.   Regardless, it was delightful way to drink in the local culture.

Today's Daily Døpplégåangér DoubleShot needs no juxtaposing photo. This fella making a comeback looks a lot like that other guy from the '80's!

Cookies, Vikings and a Loss, oh my!

well,....Farfegnügen!!! 

If you weren't watching, our US dames lost to Sweden 2-1.  Relax, all is not lost, this was still within Group Play.  Sweden wins the group, advancing to play Australia, while the US takes 2nd.  Big drama approaching as the US will take on Brazil...a rematch of the 2007 Semifinal where '99 Cup winner Briana Scurry replaced regular starter Hope Solo in the starting lineup.  remember that? Brazil won 4-0. Solo did not toe the company line, speaking her mind in press.  Coach Greg Ryan was soon fired. Hope made her way back into the team and has shined since.  I don't think Scurry will replace her on Sunday, 'cause she's in our Studio.  and Hope really hasn't done anything wrong, neither goal was her fault yesterday.

Oooooh this is gonna be good.  

Guess I win the award, just for taking this pict.

Also yesterday, Brazil defeated Equatorial Guinea 3-0 to win Group D.

Australia came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 and advance to the quarterfinals for the 2nd straight WWC.

This is really weird. I have no idea how someone's Google Calendar ended up on my Blog.  anyway, who ever you are, DO NOT forget to bake cookies at 7:30p.  very important. and if you end up in Germany in the next week, you might as well bring them.

Captain Catering keeps a keen eye on the Ice Frocks.

IPSWICHTOWN Stat of the Day 

This was the first loss ever for the US in World Cup Group Play. EVER.

This has been the IPTN StatoDay, sponsored by Water. When was the last time you had this much fun?





Daily Døpplégångér DoubleShot. 
Hagar the Horrible and some random Norway fan.

That's all I have for now, day off, time to explore.
Later Høsen.

A Pinky, A Panini and US Ladies.

 Hola señores y señoritas!

US plays Sweden today for tops in Group C at 11:45a PT on ESPN.  If US wins, they most likely play the winner of Australia/Norway. If they lose, the will probably play Brasil in the Quaterfinals.  Heather O'Reilly and Abby Wambach may sit out as they recover from injuries.

GoalFest 2011 took place yesterday with Germany and France in a full aerial assault in the highest scoring game of the Cup.  Four goals were scored by headers as the Deutsch beat the Frenchies 4-2. England beat Japan 2-0 to win Group B. Both advance.  Adios to Mexico, New Zealand, Canada and Nigeria.

Yesterday's culinary venture landed me at a quiet cafe off the beaten path. Nothing exotic here, just a beautifully crafted Ham and Egg Panini to go with my cappuccino.  It was just exactly what I needed after the hustle and bustle of the previous day.  The Klein Anna cafe sits on the edgier side of downtown, just a few minutes from the Red Light District'.  But during the serene mornings, one would never know.  Part Coffee House, part Deli, it's small storefront occupies the corner of what we would call and old Brownstone. The ladies working the counter were more than accommodating, offering breakfast ideas and local futbol knowledge. (I'm starting to sound like a Yelp review). Outdoor seating offers a snapshot of Frankfurt.  A news stand to my left, pubs across one street, a graffiti covered building across the other with a modern skyscraper peering out from behind.  Cyclists, VW's and streetcars pass in the foreground. ahhh, morning zen.

 The Ipswich Town Stat of The Day-

Ian Brown- International Stud Muffin.

England wins its WWC group for the 1st time, they have advanced to the quarters in all 3 WWC appearances.
This has been the IPTWN Stat-o-Day, sponsored by Chiquita. It's cool to eat bananas with your pinky extended.

Music of The day-
Producer to the Stars, Chris Riviezzo, aka The Voice of Death, offers up his favorite Chill-out-on-the-airplane-so-I-don't-have-to-talk-to-the-yapping-lady-next-to-me tunes.
check out the new stuff by Matt Kearney (just a kid from Oregon).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_sc9cBXzF0

Random- Shoe shopping in the platz of the Romer district.  Are Tibetan monks allowed to wear Birkenstocks?







With our US lasses playing in Wolfsburg today, here is short video from the VW factory in Wolfsburg (Copyright ESPN 2011...published with permission, thanks to my Super-Duper, High-Tech, video transfer system)

Shout Outs-
Patti and Mason, chillin Fluffless in Medfield.
Jeff, Carlos, JP, Kyle, Dunny and the FSC peeps....Strauss- how's the knee?
Matt Sundling- please tell Motley that I did not plant those strawberries in the back yard exclusively for her!

Daily Døpplégångér DoubleShot-
Marion Jones and England's Alex Scott.  Let's hope Alex stays away from Marion's 'special substance'.




That's all for this Ramble. Now, put away the computer and go watch the US women.
later, gator!

Independence Day.

Greetings, my young American friends!
I hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day.

To celebrate, eight of us enjoyed some tasty Japanese food in Germany...because nothing says Happy 4th of July, like sushi in Frankfurt!

With our first day off, I finally got out to see the sights and taste some local food for my own sort of 'independence day'.  After 11 months of continuous work (OK, it was only 2 weeks), my exhausted body awoke at the crack of 11a.  I started the day with a stroll down Kaiserstraße. That's 'Kaiser Street' to you and me...which is nothing like at like the main street of my childhood Keizer, Oregon.  There is no Bob's Hamburgers or JC's Pizza anywhere here!!!  After 2 weeks over ever-changing weather, summer finally arrived in Deutschland.  I strolled in the sun, enjoying the sights.

Wandering and wondering, I stopped in the Römer area to see the Rathaus. This medieval building in Frankfurt am Main, is one of the city's most important landmarks. It has been the city hall or Rathaus for 600 years.  Lunching at the Haupwache Cafe, I ventured deep into the the local cuisine, trying the Original Vienna Schnitezel with a tantalizing cranberry marmalade. 

Besides being a delightful word to speak, schnitzel is simply breaded meat.  Austrian schnitzel is veal, while the German version is usually pork.  It is served with a slice of lemon and, of course, potatoes.  It seems that potatoes are served with every meal here.  We are getting really tired of potatoes.  As an appetizer, they bring out bread with a few sauces. The first is a white cheese thing. The second is pretty much a runnier version of our Tuna Salad sandwich stuff.  The last is a traditional German Green Sauce, made up of 9 herbs.  It was simply amazing! I tried to inquire of the waitress what it is called locally.  In mediocre English she said, "it is German Green Sauce." I asked for more, "It has 9 different herbs in it, it is German green sauce."  "oh come on! I know I'm just Joe Tourist here, but I'm trying to learn something, I have this blog thing about travel and food and, and ...oh well, never mind"!!!

Today starts the beginning of end with simultaneous games in Group B at 9aPT.  England/Japan and New Zealand/Mexico.  England needs a tie or win to get to Quarterfinals. Japan is already in. Mexico needs to win and make up a 5 point goal differential AND have England lose.

At Noon PT, Group A has Germany/France battling for first place in the group. Canada and Nigeria are both already eliminated.

Land Of Confusion
Did anyone catch that ridiculous situation from the Australia/Equatorial Guinea match? No, I didn't think so. It was on too early and I don't think any of you, except maybe Andy Nelson, are fans of Equatorial Guinea's Women's Futbol team.  Anyhoo, early in the game, Australia had a shot off the post that bounced right to an EQG defender.  She almost controlled it with the top of her thigh, but thought that grabbing it with her hands would be easier.  Easy call, even for that stupid ref who didn't like me in High School. Should be an automatic Penalty Kick, right?  Well, neither the Ref nor Ref Assistants made any call and play continued.  What the??? Who didn't see that?? replays from every angle show a clear handball.  We are still confused about that one.  Post game, the ref said that she "was sorry to have missed that episode".  huh?  Matildas won 3-2 anyway.

Yesterday

After lunch, I ordered a cappuccino (say it with an thick, un-authentic Italian accent, like the lady at the table next to me) and enjoyed the music from the street musician on his accordion (that same bloke in the photo to your right).   After a few songs, I realized that he was playing some classics: Somewhere My Love, Save The Last Dance For Me and Yesterday.  It kinda reminded me of the music compilation commercials I remember from watching daytime TV with my Nana. ' For the low, low price of $14.99, you'll get all the Perry Como cover tunes on LP or cassette' ' but wait! there's more!'

It Takes Every Kind of People.
Moving on, it was a great day of People watching.  Like NY Time's Square, Shanghai's Nanjng Road or Mexcio City's Zocalo, the platz (plazas) of Franfurt offer up all kinds. Tourists, business folk, shoppers, homeless and skateboard kids all make these areas vibrant and cosmopolitan.  Not sure how far I walked, it seemed that there was something new around every corner.  Getting toward the end of the shopping area, it was refreshing to leave the crowds and noise for the serene paths within a greenspace that partially circles the downtown core.

Today's Shout Outs-
Hi to Zop, Frat, TK and the rest of our ESPN MLS crew.
Hello to Rita on her NY adventure!


Daily Døpplégångér DoubleShot-
we noticed striking scowl from the Norwegian coach, much like the cartooon-ish face of Gary Busy!

 

while on the subject of Mr Busey, as we searched the interwebs for his pict, we came across the Busey Family Portrait:

 

The Buseys- circa 1989

Winner, Winner, Schnitzel Dinner

US women rocked it!  3-nil over Colombia.  Heather O'Reilly seized the moment with a 33 yard blast. The keeper had no chance. Kinda reminded me of a Bobby Culp shot from Sept, 1984!  Second Half sub Megan Rapinoe put her stamp on the game with a great hustle play, leaving 3 defenders flat footed and launching a rapid strike from the top of the box. OOoooh that was nice textbook futbol. To put a finishing touch on her goal celebration, she grabbed the fluffy effects mic at the corner and sang "Born In The USA".  Due to some legal reasons, we only aired the ad-lib singing twice.  I'm still waiting for a call from Springsteen.








Later, Carly LlLlLoyd (I never know how many 'L's to put in that name) launched another SCUD missile that was was too strong for Colombia's net minder to handle. Overall, a solid win that puts the US atop their group with 6 points, along with Sweden. They play each other Wed, the 6th at noon.

In the too-early-to-wake-up-get-your-coffee-read-the-paper-walk-the-dog game, Sweden's Lisa Dalhkvist scores in the 64th minute, her 5th career goal and 1st career WWC goal to beat North Korea.  I'm sure Lil Kim Jong Ill is crying in his Kim Chee.


DOH!   Mexico men players busted for Doping during Gold Cup.
"Five players tested positive for a relatively high concentration of clenbuterol (and) we have four others with traces of the same substance," Dvorak told Mexican broadcaster Televisa without revealing which players were concerned.  
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-fourmexicanplayersinnewdrug





Yesterday, we wished happy b-day to our local Fixer, Pia and also to the US Forward Alex Morgan.  I love when people have birhtdays....more cake for me!!!!












which brings me to our IPSTN Stat-o-Day.
No player has ever scored on her birthday during a World Cup.  No Alex goal today, the record is still active.
IPSTN Stat-o-Day is sponsored by Adidas, helping Ian take his first one-hand-assisted steps.


Music o da Day.
our World Cup signature tunz from David Garret. His sound is the love-child of Charlie Daniels fiddle and the rock opera of Mannheim Steamroller. Check out the Garrett-filled edits that our Team Avid is putting out, usually at the end of each broadcast.  Nice work, Adam, Tara, Twe and Nick.
http://www.david-garrett.com/2010/07/01/rock-symphonies-and-david/



NBA lockout? say it ain't so.  Come on guys, stop being selfish!!

Daily Shout Out-
Caroline Cziesla, our receptionist from the 2006 World Cup in Munich. We are singing your song today. everyone join in. you know the words.
Steve Angel- I assume you had a bucket of Swedish Fish for breakfast as Sweden beat North Korea this morning.
Hi Mom!

Daily Døpplégångér DoubleShot :
With US forward Megan Rapinoe's goal and classic celebration, we can't help but dopple her with that chick from the Legend Of Billie Jean.

US chicas up next.

Set the alarm on your mickey mouse watch. US women play Colombia tomorrow (Sat, 7/2) at 9aPT.
Word on the street is that manager Sundhage may start Lori Lindsey in central midfield ahead of either Shannon Boxx or Carli Lloyd. Boxx and Lloyd have the two longest starting streaks on the team. The United States can clinch a place in the quarterfinals with a win and a Sweden win or draw against North Korea.

Mia in Das Haus!
Amy Rosenfeld (aka Dr Rosen-rosen) and the ESPN Producer team have secured US legend Mia Ham to join Brandi Chastain and Bob Ley on the set of our roving Big Blue studio/production truck.

Random Internet News Blip-
has anyone seen my ATM reciept?
An ATM receipt showing a balance of nearly $100 million dollars was discovered at an East Hampton Village bank.
A customer found the receipt hanging out of the ATM's slot. The customer who found the receipt showed it to financial blog Dealbreaker.com. The receipt, dated June 18, doesn't list the account holder's name but does indicate that the person has $99,864,731.94 in a personal savings account (that's after a $400 withdrawal and a $2.75 service charge).

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/113059/100-million-atm-receipt

 I'd love to report on the amazing culinary adventure I've had here, but the reality is, it's been mostly hotel breakfasts and catering.  The lone exception is a walk around the block to Thai with Shaw, Jorge and Erick.  Catering is your basic corporate mass-produced food, but not as bad as you think. In the pict to your left, I'm inspecting the stuffed Duck.  Last week we had rabbit. Apparently, I was the last to know, thinking I was knifing through a hard piece of chicken.  But at least we have variety- everything from Lasagna, Bratwurst, frankfurters, pollock, salmon and even a gluten free item each day. Cøy points out, that one of the standard 'gluten free' items is ...butter.   hmmmm

IPSTWN Stat-o-Day-

Homare Sawa’s hat trick helps Japan clinch a quarterfinal berth with a 4-0 win over New Zealand. Sawa is the oldest player to tally a WWC hat trick... at 32 years old.

today's IPSTWN Stat-o-Day is sponsored by Skype.     Skype, helping freelancer ADs see live video of their wife and son...with a goofy colleague peeking over his shoulder.



On of the best lines of the day comes from our favorite On-Air Aussie, Alicia Ferguson. Commenting on the frustrated reaction of Germany's Birgit Prinz as she was subbed out early in the second half ... she "was wearing her 'Cranky pants"

Daily Døpplégångér DoubleShot.
the New Zealand coach may actually be that one guy from that one show. The one where they sing and stuff,  and people vote on the winner and stuff, and they have those judges and stuff, You know, that one show.