Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: Trick or Treat?

Insignificant Ramblings Of A Geek: Trick or Treat?: It's that time of year when the ghosts come out to play. When a Dracula stalks the street with a zombie cheerleader.  It's Halloween...

Trick or Treat?

It's that time of year when the ghosts come out to play. When a Dracula stalks the street with a zombie cheerleader. 

It's Halloween!! 

Now Halloween and trick or treating is not as big as in the US but it is starting to grow in appeal in the UK.  More families are getting involved, decorating their house and taking their children trick or treating who have dressed up in fancy dress. And there are great costumes out there. 

Trick or treat is a term used by children dressed up when they call round to houses in order to receive treats, which is usually sweets/candy. If not, then they would act in mischief on the home owner. This is normally an empty threat but there those who do trick the occupies either by egging the house or throwing toilet roll over bushes and trees but this is only in a minority. 

Those that want to or don't mind the participation of trick or treaters decorate their houses, and there are some great accessories. Tomb stones, skeletons, cobwebs. And they are starting to get bigger and better. This gives those the 'ok' that they have treats. There are also people who give as good as they get as the play practice jokes on the children, trying to scare them as much as possible. And to be honest. It's good fun. 

A part of Halloween that is growing in popularity is pumpkins or Jack o' lanterns. Usually faces, pictures or images are carved into pumpkins or vegetables and there are many different folk laws that explain why pumpkins are used. A good one is that they are used to protect your home from the undead and to identify vampires walking amongst us. 

There are many great costume on show during Halloween. Both children and adults dress up, and even some of the pets get dressed up. There are lots monsters, zombies, ghosts, vampires too many too name but maximum effort is put in. Again it was suggested that the reason was to ward off and poke fun at satan. 

The adults also join in the fun by hosting fancy dress parties. More gruesome costumes and decorations too see, and the food and drinks have been decorated to add a little twist. Blood punch, brain cup cakes. All in good fun. 

Whatever you are doing this evening. Have fun, be safe and enjoy the spooks. 

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Man United 1-1 Chelsea. 

The first 'real' test for Man Utd this season as they face Chelsea, who are still undefeated in the league. Chelsea have been playing some great football and are looking more the likely to be the premier league winners (and it's only October). Man Utd have had the easier of the games so far this season but unfortunately the issues that were so evident last season appeal to have carried over to this season. If they can get a win at Old Trafford them that surely is the boost they would need to go on to better results. 

Louis Van Gaal still has defence concerns as there was another new defence partnership in this crunch game. Smalling with Rojo. Another inexperienced pairing, were they able to keep out a formidable strike force in Drogba, Hazard and Oscar? Yes Chelsea didn't have Costa, but the strength and experience of Drogba is as good as any replacement for the in form Brazilian. Rojo has played every game since his arrival and there are signs of an improving player. With more games he surely will cement his place in the Utd defence. Smalling is a player that produces inconsistent performances and the Utd faithful are praying that he has what it takes. 

There were also more injury concerns for Man Utd as Phil Jones and Falcao both picked up injuries in training and a suspended Rooney, with Chelsea without Costa and Remy meant that tonights game may not have been as explosive as one would expect. 

The first half started in a predictable fashion. Chelsea applied pressure from the off and they ended up with domination number of corners. And from these corners straight away it was clear to see that there was a mismatch in who Man Utd were going to mark. Chelsea have a towering team and this cause problems in the Utd box. One incident questioned the officials in the game as both John Terry and Ivanovic were bundled to the ground in some fashion but no decision was given. Shawcross who plays for Stoke surely would have had something to say as he was penalised for a similar offence. Utd though started to control the half and they even could have take the lead a couple of time but for the new Chelsea number 1 Courtois keeping the score level. 

Second half was the opposite with good chances following mainly for Chelsea. What's seems to be happening this season at Old Trafford, and at away games in that Man Utd seem to retract into their shell and allow the pressure on themselves. The blue wave continued to push and they would have got their lead but for a superb save from De Gea which thwarted Hazard, however, from resulting corner the poor marking that was clearly easy to to see let Drogba head in a powerful header in at the near post. From there Chelsea's tactics changed and they then looked to see the game out. 

It's was looking as Mourinho had his tactics carried out the way he wanted but an unfortunate red card for Ivanovic in 93rd minute cost them the win. It was unfortunate in the sense that it may have not been malicious but in today's game, when an attacker has the advantage and cuts I corny of the defender, and form of contact will result in a card. In Ivanovic's card it was his second yellow.  From the free kick, another good save from Courtois fell kindly to Robin Van Persie who smashed in the equaliser. He celebrated in the fashion of player and team that were desperate in the the results to fall their way by taking his shirt off, only to be deemed stupid by Van Gaal. 

It was a game that United needed, to test the philosophy the LVG is trying to implement and against a good Chelsea squad this was definitely the  result they needed. 

Chelsea under Mourinho are dangerous, tactics are spot on, but sometimes pushing too hard has cost them games. Chelsea have been to Manchester twice and only managed a draw on both times.   

Burnley - Everton

Burnley - Everton

From a neutrals perspective this was actually difficult to choose who would win this game. 

On one hand Burnley have yet to win in the Premier League and that has to end sooner or later, and against a jet-lagged Everton who got through a tough European away game that could be during this game. 

But on the other, a strong Everton squad that are playing well in Europe, growing in confidence and again are due to start stringing results together and challenging for that champions league spot. 

The match was very entertaining, for home and away fans and also the neutrals. Burnley having being promoted this year and who are wanting to survive a season got off the the worst possible start. Eto'o headed a fine move within the first 5 minutes. Against a young inexperienced team, the knowledge he has gained throughout the years clearly puts him in a class of his own. Not what Burnley fans were wanting. 

Burnley though didn't cave in and they got their rewards by getting the equaliser through the fully fit again  Ings who had rounded Howard to score. Albeit with a little help from a mis placed pass from Lukaku. However the Belgium made amends by scoring Everton's 2nd of the game on 29minutes. He is now is starting to pay back the transfer fee that was paid for him. 

Everton's dominance continued in the second half and they managed possession well. Martinez is clearly showing his credentials as a top flight manager and the way he structures his team deserves all the credit that comes his way. 

The inevitable 3rd goal came late on and it was again the veteran striker Eto'o showing the viewings public he still can score world class goal. From the edge of the box he used the Burnley defence to shield the view of the keeper and he guided his shot around into the far corner. Very slick and very tidy. 

The problems are growing for Burnley as they lose again and for that, if it's not stopped quickly then they are in serious danger of getting the worst points collected by a premier league team. They have one of the worst tackling stats in the league and this is not helping the amount of goals they are conceding. 

A comfortable win for the toffee's taking a 3-1 win from Turf Moor. 

El Classico

El Classico

The first El Classico of the season and the first competitive game for Barcelona's new signing, Suarez. The focus of the game usually lies on the history or Ronaldo vs Messi. It did have that but there was a feeling that with his return looming it didn't distract the emphasis away from the game, merely, let us know that this was in the background. 

Suarez was charged with biting an opponent in the World Cup and was banned for 10. Many had said that he should have been banned full stop, or a much harsher penalty. He will always divide opinions, but one thing is for sure is that he is a gifted player. As it had been such a long time since his last competitive, he was always going to be 'rusty', not fully match fit. But nevertheless, all eyes wanted to see the new number 9. 

It was an action packed game right from the get go. If you didn't take your seats early you would probably have missed the first goal. Neymar opened up the scoring with the first goal for Barcelona. A cross field ball from Suarez found the Brazilian who cut back across to guide to ball into the corner. This electric start set the tone for the game. 

As expected, the Bernabau was alive. The vicious roar from the crowd was deafening. They were the wind in Reals sails. 

Every challenge was welcomed by appeals from the Galacticos fans. If this was in a Roman arena, they would be calling for blood. 

A penalty appeal was awarded and That man Ronaldo took he chance to equal the score and to turn the tide in Reals favour. Very very entertaining and if there were new viewers to the biggest derby in Spain  are being treated to a great spectacle. 

The entertainment continued in the second half and both teams battled. One thing is for sure. Real Madrid are DANGEROUS on the counter attack. Whenever Barcelona lost the ball real surged forward with menace. A real treat to watch. The dominance showed and they were rewarded for their efforts as Pepe scored his first goal in an El Classico game. The dangerous counter attack again work in Reals favour yet again and they increased their lead with a Benzema goal. 

Towards the end Barcelona had given up. There was no conviction, drive or desire to get back into the games and because of this they were leaving themselves susceptible to more and more attacks from Real. In the end. A comfortable win for the Galaticos.    

The night was not only about the history of the El Classico, or that Suarez was returning. It was also Ronaldo vs Messi. Arguably the best 2 players in the world at the moment. And it was Ronaldo who came out on top. He had the fire burning deep, a desire which was visible to see. Every ball that was passed he wanted to be on the end of it. He wanted to be in the game at all costs. He lived every moment in the game, whereas Messi, vacant. Gave up to easily. 

Though Ronaldo still struggles to win people over, one thing is for sure. He is world class. 

Rocktober the 21st

Motion City Soundtrack - Last Night I Fell In Love Without You (acoustic)

This version is an alternate release to the album version released in 2008 and off the Gossip Girl Soundtrack. The original version if off the 2007 album 'Even if it kills me'.  

The album version is the opening track and is played in a completely different way. It is played much faster and also includes a key change whereas the acoustic version is much slower, accompanied with piano and string instruments. It is a striped down which gives the song a new dimension. 

The music video is set with the band playing the song on a beach which looks to be in with a beach party.  It also features a young couple who make their way to the beach where the band are playing. As the song progresses the night falls and the couple watch a firework display. 

Song Rating: 8/10

Video Rating: 7/10

A great example of how a song can sound when it is played in a completely different manner. 

Still more problems?

After the full time whistle it was clear to see that all is still not well at Manchester United. And the thing is, everyone is able to see where the problems lie. 

Another change in defence, another new partnership. Jones alongside Rojo. Is Van Gaal still unsure of who the best partnership is as since the new season started his has used 5 central defenders. Now I know injuries really have caused an issue but considering how active The Reds have been over the summer, is was somewhat a surprise that no new defenders were signed. Yes Shaw is a defender that was brought in this summer but that was before Van Gaal took charge. Was he seeing something that we don't know? 

From the statistics from the West Brom game, Man Utd completely dominated. Possession, corners, shots but the score line confirmed the ongoing issues. For both of the goals conceded, defenders were out of place, they were trying to close down the opposition, but with that was their undoing. Quick intricate passing enables the Baggies to swiftly counter and punish their opposing team. And also to be fair, both goals were very well taken. 

It is clear to see that from midfield, Blind onwards, there is no issues whatsoever. Man Utd have a very dangerous attack. Scoring goals? No problems. I have no hesitation is saying that Falcao will achieve 15+ goals this season. 

In January new arrivals will again be talked about. It's a sure thing. Will they, however, be able to secure that marquee player to provide that stability, even if it's to help the inexperienced settle down. Become more comfortable in their surroundings? There are already rumours of Pique, Hummels, Alvez, buts that's what they are, rumours. 

One thing is for sure though is that Van Gall has to sort the defence out, and he will, but he has to install the fear back into the team so that when teams come up against his side, they panic, crumble, buckle under the pressure when they stand opposite the Devils. Old Trafford will be a fortress again.