Sunday, 25 December 2011
Pope Benedict Calls For End to Violence in Syria
"May the Lord come to the aid of our world torn by so many conflicts which even today stain the earth with blood,"Pope Benedict XVI said during his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the City of the World) speech.
He called for an end to the violence in Syria and renewed dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians and asked for God's help for the multitude of countries that have been struck by natural disasters.
May the prince of peace grant peace and stability to that land where he chose to come into the world, and encourage the resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. May he bring an end to the violence in Syria, where so much blood has already been shed. May he foster full reconciliation and stability in Iraq and Afghanistan. May he grant renewed vigour to all elements of society in the countries of north Africa and the Middle East as they strive to advance the common good."
The Pope also asked for God's help for the the people in the Horn of Africa, who suffer from food shortages and hunger. He asked for help of the people of Thailand and the Phillippines that have been affected by flooding.
The Pope also criticized the increased commercialization of Christmas, taking away from the true meaning.
May the prince of peace grant peace and stability to that land where he chose to come into the world, and encourage the resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. May he bring an end to the violence in Syria, where so much blood has already been shed. May he foster full reconciliation and stability in Iraq and Afghanistan. May he grant renewed vigour to all elements of society in the countries of north Africa and the Middle East as they strive to advance the common good."
The Pope also asked for God's help for the the people in the Horn of Africa, who suffer from food shortages and hunger. He asked for help of the people of Thailand and the Phillippines that have been affected by flooding.
The Pope also criticized the increased commercialization of Christmas, taking away from the true meaning.
DFB Pokal - German Football Association Cup Quarter Final Draw
Below are the results of the Group of 16
VFL Bochum vs Bayern Muenchen 1-2
Hoffenheim vs FC Augsburg 2-1
1.FC Nuernberg vs Greuther Fuerth 0-1
Fortuna Duesseldorf vs Bor Dortmund 0-0 (4-5 Penalty Kicks)
Hertha BSC Berlin vs 1. FC Kaiserslautern 3-1
Holstein Kiel vs Mainz 05 2-0
VFB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV 2-1
Bor Moenchgladbach vs Schalke 04 3-1
The German Soccer Association has drawn and scheduled the quarter finals as follows:
Tuesday 7th February
Holstein Kiel - Borussia Dortmund 0-4
Wednesday, 8th February
1899 Hoffenheim - SpVgg Greuther Fürth (19:00 CET)
Hertha BSC Berlin - Mönchengladbach (19:00 CET)
VfB Stuttgart - FC Bayern München (20:30 CET)
Dortmund should have drawn the easiest challenger, but based on the Group of 16 results all bets are off. Hoffenheim and Greuther Fuerth should be a another close match. Glabach will have its challenge to win in Berlin, while a visit of Bayern Muenchen in the Daimler Benz Arena is alway unpredictable. The quarter finals will, once again, provide drama and surprises.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Anti-Putin Protests Continue in Moscow - Largest Yet
Two weeks ago the protests against Vladimir Putin and election fraud had been the largest ever. These were surpassed today. According to Russian radio Mikhael Gorbachev has called for Putin to resign. There is a growing outrage against Putin's twelve year rule.
Four years ago Putin could not run for re-election, since the constitution prevented it and Dimitry Medvedev was elected into that post. The United Russia Party dominated the Duma and Putin became Prime Minister. Many believed that he was still calling the shots.
The recent elections resulted in the United Russia Party just gaining 49% of the vote, although it still dominates the Duma. The OECD claimed that the election was riddled with fraud, including ballot stuffing. Many in Russia believe that the United Russia party only received about 27% of the vote.
It seems the chickens have come home to roost. Russians are not impressed with Medvedev's promise on facebook that he had called an investigation. Putin had close to a two hour rant on Russian television and it appears that Russians have had enough.
The recent elections resulted in the United Russia Party just gaining 49% of the vote, although it still dominates the Duma. The OECD claimed that the election was riddled with fraud, including ballot stuffing. Many in Russia believe that the United Russia party only received about 27% of the vote.
It seems the chickens have come home to roost. Russians are not impressed with Medvedev's promise on facebook that he had called an investigation. Putin had close to a two hour rant on Russian television and it appears that Russians have had enough.
Rally participants densely packed a broad avenue, which has room for nearly 100,000 people, about 1.5 miles from the Kremlin, on a snowy day. They chanted "Russia without Putin!"
A stage at the end of the half-mile avenue featured placards reading "Russia will be free" and "This election Is a farce." Heavy police cordons encircled the participants, who stood within metal barriers, and a police helicopter hovered overhead.
The recent protests in Moscow and other cities have dented Putin's authority as he seeks to reclaim the presidency in a March vote. The Kremlin has responded by promising a set of political reforms that would allow more political competition in future elections.
But protest leaders say they will continue pushing for a rerun of the Dec. 4 parliamentary election and punishment for officials accused of vote fraud. They say maintaining momentum is key to forcing Putin's government to accept their demands. Washington Post
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
DFB Pokal - Mainz loses to Regional Liga Contender Holstein Kiel, Schalke Eliminated
The Group of 16 knock-out phase has been decided. Six Bundesliga clubs advance to the Quarter Final, while Holstein Kiel is the only Regionaliga Club remains standing. All of the Bundesliga clubs struggled with the 2nd Bundesliga clubs. League leader FC Bayern Muenchen was only saved by an extra time goal against VFL Bochum. Borussia Dortmund had to decide the game with penalty kicks. Duesseldorf fought last year's champion to a scoreless draw for 120 minutes.
Greuther Fuerth beat Nuernberg at home 1-0. The biggest surprise during this phase of the DFB Pokal was the win by Regional Liga club Holstein Kiel over Mainz 05. Stuttgart eliminated Hamburg, while Gladbach send Schalke 04 packing.
Results:
VFL Bochum vs Bayern Muenchen 1-2
Hoffenheim vs FC Augsburg 2-1
1.FC Nuernberg vs Greuther Fuerth 0-1
Fortuna Duesseldorf vs Bor Dortmund 0-0 (4-5 Penalty Kicks)
Hertha BSC Berlin vs 1. FC Kaiserslautern 3-1
Holstein Kiel vs Mainz 05 2-0
VFB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV 2-1
Bor Moenchgladbach vs Schalke 04 3-1
The quarter finals will take place on the 7th of February. The following have qualified for the quarter final:
FC Bayern Muenchen, Hoffenheim, Greuther Fuerth, Borussia Dortmund, Hertha BSC Berlin, Holstein Kiel, VFB Stuttgart and Borussia Moenchen Gladbach.
There is no word on the draw for the matches yet.
Results:
VFL Bochum vs Bayern Muenchen 1-2
Hoffenheim vs FC Augsburg 2-1
1.FC Nuernberg vs Greuther Fuerth 0-1
Fortuna Duesseldorf vs Bor Dortmund 0-0 (4-5 Penalty Kicks)
Hertha BSC Berlin vs 1. FC Kaiserslautern 3-1
Holstein Kiel vs Mainz 05 2-0
VFB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV 2-1
Bor Moenchgladbach vs Schalke 04 3-1
The quarter finals will take place on the 7th of February. The following have qualified for the quarter final:
FC Bayern Muenchen, Hoffenheim, Greuther Fuerth, Borussia Dortmund, Hertha BSC Berlin, Holstein Kiel, VFB Stuttgart and Borussia Moenchen Gladbach.
There is no word on the draw for the matches yet.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
DFB Pokal Group of 16 - Bundesliga Clubs Struggle on Day One
The Group of 16 in the DFB Pokal kicked off today. Both Bundeliga leaders, FC Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund participated. Bayern played VFL Bochum and didn't settle the score until one minute into extra time, coming away with a 2-1 victory.
Dortmund which faced Fortuna Duesseldorf had to settle the game with penalty kicks, after 90 minutes of regular time and an addition 30 minutes of overtime. No goals were scored over 120 minutes of play. Dortmund settled the score with 4-5 penalty kicks over Duesseldorf.
1.FC Nuernberg was eliminated by SpVgg Greuther Fuerth by a single goal in that game and Hoffenheim eliminated Augsburg from the competition with a 2-1 victory.
To say the least, the Bundesliga sides had great difficulty today. Dortmund dominated the game but was unable to crack a superb Duesseldorf defence. Munich, which was playing without Mueller seemed to be disorganized with several missed passes. The flow was missing from the game.
Results:
VFL Bochum vs Bayern Muenchen 1-2
Hoffenheim vs FC Augsburg 2-1
1.FC Nuernberg vs Greuther Fuerth 0-1
Fortuna Duesseldorf vs Bor Dortmund 0-0 (4-5 Penalty Kicks)
Tomorrow's Matches:
Hertha BSC Berlin vs 1. FC Kaiserslautern 3-1
Holstein Kiel vs Mainz 05 2-0
VFB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV 2-1
Bor Moenchgladbach vs Schalke 04 3-1
1.FC Nuernberg was eliminated by SpVgg Greuther Fuerth by a single goal in that game and Hoffenheim eliminated Augsburg from the competition with a 2-1 victory.
To say the least, the Bundesliga sides had great difficulty today. Dortmund dominated the game but was unable to crack a superb Duesseldorf defence. Munich, which was playing without Mueller seemed to be disorganized with several missed passes. The flow was missing from the game.
Results:
VFL Bochum vs Bayern Muenchen 1-2
Hoffenheim vs FC Augsburg 2-1
1.FC Nuernberg vs Greuther Fuerth 0-1
Fortuna Duesseldorf vs Bor Dortmund 0-0 (4-5 Penalty Kicks)
Tomorrow's Matches:
Hertha BSC Berlin vs 1. FC Kaiserslautern 3-1
Holstein Kiel vs Mainz 05 2-0
VFB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV 2-1
Bor Moenchgladbach vs Schalke 04 3-1
Monday, 19 December 2011
A Tribute to Vaclav Havel - A Leader Fighting Against Communist Oppression
Two deaths were announced yesterday, one of a fighter against Communist oppression and that of a Communist leader that starved his people. Vaclav Havel, a dissident writer, who never wanted to be a politician, was pushed into politics by his activism against communist oppression. He lead a peaceful revolution that toppled communism in the former Czechoslovakia. One of his disappointments was that the country he loved split into two.
As the first democratically elected President 1989 for his country, after leading the peaceful demonstration against communist oppression, Havel is credited with laying the ground work for the Czech Republic's entry into the European Union. He was President when the Czech Republic entered NATO in 1999.
Biography of Vaclav Havel
Biography of Vaclav Havel
A spokeswoman said Havel died in his sleep early Sunday at his weekend house in the northern Czech Republic with his wife and a nun at his side. A former chain smoker, he had a history of chronic respiratory problems that physicians traced back to his Cold War years in communist prisons.
Havel was his country's first democratically-elected president after the 1989 non-violent "Velvet Revolution" that ended four decades of communist repression. On taking office, he oversaw Czechoslovakia's transition to a free-market economy and democracy, as well as its peaceful 1993 breakup into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Havel left office in 2003, just months before the two countries joined the European Union. He was credited with laying the groundwork that brought the Czech Republic into the 27-nation bloc, and was president when the republic joined NATO in 1999. But he said his proudest presidential achievement was the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact - the Moscow-led military alliance that lasted until 1991.
Havel first rose to prominence after the 1968 Soviet-led invasion that crushed the "Prague Spring" reforms of Alexander Dubcek and other liberally-minded communists in the former Czechoslovakia. His plays were then banned by hardliners installed by Moscow who sought to crush any traces of those reforms.
However, he continued to write a series of underground essays widely seen as some of the most damning critiques of what communism did to society and the individual in post-World War II Europe. War on Terror News
Alberta Conservatives - Reinventing Themselves Working - Poll
According to a poll conducted by Forum Research, which conducted the poll for the National Post, it said it
reflects the “new Tory look” in Alberta, after a bumpy few years in
which former PC premier Ed Stelmach. The Progressive Conservative Party in Alberta has been reinventing themselves for 41 years it has been in power in Alberta. The poll suggests that the new Conservative look has resonated, especially with women in Alberta.
The closest contender to Alison Redford's Conservatives is the right of center Wildrose Party, led by Danielle Smith. The poll suggests that there is 38% support for the Progressive Conservatives as opposed to 23% for the Wildrose Alliance.
Redford was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in a similar situation as former Premier Ed Stelmach, with a system that is seen as highly flawed. While Gary Mar received above 40% in the first and second poll to Redford's 13% and slightly more in the second poll, she accumulated the required 50% after second choices were added to her balance sheet.
Candidates can sell memberships and by all accounts Redford sold many of them to the Alberta Teachers Union, based on her promise of reinstating $100 Million of cuts made to education, a promise she kept after being re-elected.
Her first 45 days were controversial to say the least, but apparently it didn't distract Albertans. With her new following, probably those who voted Liberal before, she has build on her popularity base.
There is a big gender gap, according to the poll. Support among women is is especially strong among women, with 42% compared to 33% among men. Wildrose support is stronger among ment with 28% compared to 18% among men. As has been common in Alberta in the past, New Democrats and Liberals are distant challengers with 12% and 13% respectively. Most of the support for the NDP and Liberals is concentrated in Edmonton, with minimum support in the rest of the Province.
There is also an age demographic. Danielle Smith's Wildrose Alliance support grows to 34% among those 55 and older, while there is only 16% support in the 18-34 age group range.
Regardless of the results, there is room for movement. While Redford's support at 38% is higher than her 29% disapproval rating, there are 33% of respondents that had no opinion. Danielle Smith's approval rating is 35% with 41% among men and 30% among women.
The Alberta Legislature passed a controversial Drunk Driving bill prior to the Christmas break, which gives new powers to peace officers with a .05 alcohol limit. Opponents of the bill said that the bill required more study and gave too much power to police officers on the roadside. A similar bill has been ruled unconstitutional in British Columbia. 54% of respondents approved of the measure.
The poll, conducted on Dec. 14, 2011, of 1072 adult Albertans via an automated interactive telephone survey is considered accurate to within 2.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Regardless of the poll results, Cabinet members and conservative MLAs have been abandoning ship in droves prior to the next election, which is scheduled in early 2012. Redford has put her stamp on the Conservative Party and the direction is not necessarily one Albertans want to go in. It is up to the Danielle Smith and her Wildrose Alliance to differentiate from Allison Redford's Progressive Conservatives, where Progressive seems to be the operative word.
Health Care, the economy (as it pertains to the Alberta Oil Sands) continue to be high on the priorities of Albertans. While Redford supports the expansion of the Alberta Oil Sands, she has also called for a National Energy Strategy. Let's hope that this is not a disguise for the National Energy Program introduced by Pierre Trudeau.
Redford is a lawyer with deep experience working for the UN, including in Afghanistan and Africa.
Redford was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in a similar situation as former Premier Ed Stelmach, with a system that is seen as highly flawed. While Gary Mar received above 40% in the first and second poll to Redford's 13% and slightly more in the second poll, she accumulated the required 50% after second choices were added to her balance sheet.
Candidates can sell memberships and by all accounts Redford sold many of them to the Alberta Teachers Union, based on her promise of reinstating $100 Million of cuts made to education, a promise she kept after being re-elected.
Her first 45 days were controversial to say the least, but apparently it didn't distract Albertans. With her new following, probably those who voted Liberal before, she has build on her popularity base.
There is also an age demographic. Danielle Smith's Wildrose Alliance support grows to 34% among those 55 and older, while there is only 16% support in the 18-34 age group range.
Regardless of the results, there is room for movement. While Redford's support at 38% is higher than her 29% disapproval rating, there are 33% of respondents that had no opinion. Danielle Smith's approval rating is 35% with 41% among men and 30% among women.
The Alberta Legislature passed a controversial Drunk Driving bill prior to the Christmas break, which gives new powers to peace officers with a .05 alcohol limit. Opponents of the bill said that the bill required more study and gave too much power to police officers on the roadside. A similar bill has been ruled unconstitutional in British Columbia. 54% of respondents approved of the measure.
The poll, conducted on Dec. 14, 2011, of 1072 adult Albertans via an automated interactive telephone survey is considered accurate to within 2.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Regardless of the poll results, Cabinet members and conservative MLAs have been abandoning ship in droves prior to the next election, which is scheduled in early 2012. Redford has put her stamp on the Conservative Party and the direction is not necessarily one Albertans want to go in. It is up to the Danielle Smith and her Wildrose Alliance to differentiate from Allison Redford's Progressive Conservatives, where Progressive seems to be the operative word.
Health Care, the economy (as it pertains to the Alberta Oil Sands) continue to be high on the priorities of Albertans. While Redford supports the expansion of the Alberta Oil Sands, she has also called for a National Energy Strategy. Let's hope that this is not a disguise for the National Energy Program introduced by Pierre Trudeau.
Redford is a lawyer with deep experience working for the UN, including in Afghanistan and Africa.
The Secretary General of the United Nations Boutros Boutros-Ghali appointed and assigned Alison Redford to a post in the United Nations as a special legal adviser.
Throughout the 1990s, Redford worked as a technical advisor on constitutional and legal reform issues in various parts of Africa for the European Union, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Canadian Government and the Government of Australia. Her work in Africa focused on human rights litigation, developing education programs and policy reform with respect to gender issues.
In 1999, Redford was employed by the Government of Alberta as the communications officer on the committee for Justice Reform. The criminal Justice Reform Committee advised a program of reform in which the criminalization of mental health issues and the ongoing plea bargaining system was criticized by such organizations as the Elizabeth Fry Society, a national body representing women. convicted of crimes. Checks and balances within the Crown Prosecutors office were removed permitting each of the prosecutors to act independently and according to their own view. Several programs of advocacy were removed or absorbed into the Alberta Justice programs.
One of Redford's most notable appointments was by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as one of the four International Election Commissioners to administer Afghanistan's first parliamentary elections held in September 2005 Wikepedia
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Last U.S. Troops Cross Iraqi Border 7 am December 18th 2011
Just after 7 am on December 18, 2011, the last U.S. troops crossed the Iraq/Kuwait border, marking and end to the war in Iraq, almost nine years after invasion. The war cost $1 Trillion and over 4500 U.S. troops lost their life. 32,000 were wounded in action and many more carry the mental scars of the war.
The last convoy comprised of 110 vehicles and 500 troops from Fort Hood, Texas crossed as the sun was rising in Iraq.
While most of the soldiers that crossed the border out of Iraq early this morning were still in school, many of us will remember the 24 hour live cable coverage of U.S. leaving Kuwait and racing across the desert toward Baghdad. While the military mission was quickly accomplished, winning the peace, i.e. establishing infrastructure, rule of law and a semblance of peaceful co-existence was not planned well. Saddam Hussein was captured, tried by Iraqis and subsequently executed.
The war took its toll on Americans, U.S. soldiers and their families. Some would point at a war that was started under false pretenses, while others believe it was the intelligence that was faulty. President Obama, during his speech at Fort Bragg, NC earlier this week, spoke of a dictator that has been replaced and a free independent Iraq that will determine its own destiny. How all of that comes out in the wash remains to be seen.
The U.S. military, along with the coalition of the willing did a remarkable job and the surge most certainly turned things around. Violence has decreased in Iraq and how all of that plays out in the future remains to be seen. There is still a hotbed of anti-government forces in Fallujah. Fallujah was the scent of protest this week celebrating the departure of American troops, burning American flags.
President Obama is taking credit for ending the war, touting that it fulfills one of his campaign promises. Before you listen to all the rhetoric of President Obama ending the War… President George W. Bush signed an agreement in November 17 2008 that all US Forces were to withdraw from Iraq by 31 December 2011. Status of Forces Agreement.
President Obama called Iraq "The Dumb War", but when questioned during a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Malaki, he said that history would be the judge. While it is great to have the troops home by Christmas with their families, there is some concern that in view of the situation with Iran the withdrawal of all troops may be premature. Military commanders had recommended that 20,000 to 40,000 troops remain in Iraq to protect U.S. interests.
Many Middle East experts believe that Iran will make an attempt to assert its influence in Iraq. Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have similar concerns. The Pentagon has shrugged this off by pointing to the fact that enough troops are in the region to deal with any contingency.
As U.S. troops leave the region, it is too early to tell how the military and political dynamics will affect the region. General Martin E. Dempsey says the U.S. focus on the Middle East and its partner countries there is unwavering.
While most of the soldiers that crossed the border out of Iraq early this morning were still in school, many of us will remember the 24 hour live cable coverage of U.S. leaving Kuwait and racing across the desert toward Baghdad. While the military mission was quickly accomplished, winning the peace, i.e. establishing infrastructure, rule of law and a semblance of peaceful co-existence was not planned well. Saddam Hussein was captured, tried by Iraqis and subsequently executed.
The war took its toll on Americans, U.S. soldiers and their families. Some would point at a war that was started under false pretenses, while others believe it was the intelligence that was faulty. President Obama, during his speech at Fort Bragg, NC earlier this week, spoke of a dictator that has been replaced and a free independent Iraq that will determine its own destiny. How all of that comes out in the wash remains to be seen.
The U.S. military, along with the coalition of the willing did a remarkable job and the surge most certainly turned things around. Violence has decreased in Iraq and how all of that plays out in the future remains to be seen. There is still a hotbed of anti-government forces in Fallujah. Fallujah was the scent of protest this week celebrating the departure of American troops, burning American flags.
President Obama is taking credit for ending the war, touting that it fulfills one of his campaign promises. Before you listen to all the rhetoric of President Obama ending the War… President George W. Bush signed an agreement in November 17 2008 that all US Forces were to withdraw from Iraq by 31 December 2011. Status of Forces Agreement.
President Obama called Iraq "The Dumb War", but when questioned during a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Malaki, he said that history would be the judge. While it is great to have the troops home by Christmas with their families, there is some concern that in view of the situation with Iran the withdrawal of all troops may be premature. Military commanders had recommended that 20,000 to 40,000 troops remain in Iraq to protect U.S. interests.
The quiet exit of the last U.S. forces highlighted the danger and uncertainty that remains in Iraq, even as violence throughout the country has fallen to its lowest level since the 2003 invasion.
The last of the troops left Contingency Operating Base Adder about 2:30 a.m. Kuwait time for the 218-mile trek through the empty, dark desert to the border. In contrast to the U.S. invasion in 2003, the final American convoy, made up of soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, drew little notice from Iraqis. The road from the U.S. base to the border was almost entirely deserted, which was the way the U.S. military wanted it. Washington Post
Many Middle East experts believe that Iran will make an attempt to assert its influence in Iraq. Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have similar concerns. The Pentagon has shrugged this off by pointing to the fact that enough troops are in the region to deal with any contingency.
As U.S. troops leave the region, it is too early to tell how the military and political dynamics will affect the region. General Martin E. Dempsey says the U.S. focus on the Middle East and its partner countries there is unwavering.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey is traveling with a USO holiday tour and taking time to meet with his counterparts and officials in several countries, including Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan..As historians take up the mantle of judging the war in Iraq, over 4500 troops have been killed, 32,000 wounded in action and many more scarred for life. Let's hope that the blood shed by soldiers was not in vane. Yes the dictator is gone and Iraq is free, but where will be the twists and turns that have not been anticipated?
"Right now I think there are concerns, maybe some that would rise to a level of skepticism about the future [in the region]," he told reporters who are traveling with him.
"But I think that's why our presence here is so important," the chairman said, "to help ease those concerns and reduce that skepticism."
Dempsey added, "We've got to make sure we maintain our vigilance, our deterrence and our engagement in the Middle East."
The focus for the Defense Department in 21 countries that make up the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility include Afghanistan, Iran and its nuclear aspirations, and regional instability associated with the Arab Spring, the revolutionary wave of protests and violence that erupted Dec. 18, 2010. War on Terror News
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Bundesliga Matchday 17 - Munich on Top - Dortmund Trails
At the midway point of the Bundesliga season, FC Bayern leads the league with 37 points, three points ahead of defending champion Dortmund. Bayern defeated Koeln yesterday with a convincing 3-0 to clinch the top spot before the winter break.
Dortmund maintained second place with a 4-1 win over Freiburg. The score did not really represent the fighting spirit of the Freiburg side. Dortmund was definitely the better team and outclassed Freiburg for the most part.
1. FC Nuernberg defeated Leverkusen 3-0, one of the surprises of matchday 17. FC Augsburg gave Hamburg a run for its money and played to a draw in the Hansastadt. Hoffenheim gave up a lead to Berlin finishing in a 1-1 draw and Wolfsburg took three points off visiting Stuttgart with a 1-0 victory.
Schalke 04 walloped Werder Bremen 5-0 assuring 34 points and also trailing Bayern Muenchen by three points. This was a major setback for Bremen, although they retain fifth place in the league. Raul and Huntelaar scored their 10th and 14th goals respectively.
Kaiserslautern and Hanover 96 played to a 1-1 draw. Gladbach, with an early goal by Patrick Herrmann, defeated Mainz 05 1-0. The win puts Gladbach into 4th place and just one point behind Dortmund and Schalke. Mainz is just above the relegation zone in 14th place with 19 points.
As the league goes into the winter break both the top and bottom of the league remain tight. With 17 games to go a lot can yet change.
Matchday 17
16.12.11,20.30 Bayern München - 1. FC Köln 3-0
17.12.11,15.30 Hamburger SV - FC Augsburg 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 SC Freiburg - Borussia Dortmund 1-4
17.12.11,15.30 1899 Hoffenheim - Hertha BSC Berlin 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 VfL Wolfsburg - VfB Stuttgart 1-0
17.12.11,15.30 Bayer Leverkusen - 1. FC Nürnberg 0-3
17.12.11,18.30 Schalke 04 - Werder Bremen 5-0
18.12.11,15.30 Kaiserslautern - Hannover 96 1-1
18.12.11,17.30 Mönchengladbach - FSV Mainz 05 1-0
Bundelsiga Table Updated 16 December 2011
GP W D L GF/GA Pts
1 Bayern München 17 12 1 4 43:10 37
2 Borussia Dortmund 17 10 4 3 35:12 34
3 Schalke 04 17 11 1 5 38-22 34
4 Borussia Mönchengladbach 17 10 3 4 25:11 33
5 Werder Bremen 17 9 2 6 30-31 29
6 Bayer Leverkusen 17 7 5 5 22:22 26
7 Hannover 96 17 5 8 4 20-24 23
8 VfB Stuttgart 17 6 4 7 23:20 22
9 1899 Hoffenheim 17 6 4 7 19:18 22
10 1. FC Köln 17 6 3 8 27:35 21
11 Hertha BSC Berlin 17 4 8 5 23:26 20
12 VfL Wolfsburg 17 6 2 9 23:34 20
13 Hamburger SV 17 4 7 6 21:27 19
14 FSV Mainz 05 17 4 6 7 22:29 19
15 1. FC Nürnberg 17 5 3 9 17:28 18
16 1. FC Kaiserslautern 17 3 7 7 13:21 16
17 FC Augsburg 17 3 6 8 15:28 15
18 SC Freiburg 17 3 4 10 21:39 13
1. FC Nuernberg defeated Leverkusen 3-0, one of the surprises of matchday 17. FC Augsburg gave Hamburg a run for its money and played to a draw in the Hansastadt. Hoffenheim gave up a lead to Berlin finishing in a 1-1 draw and Wolfsburg took three points off visiting Stuttgart with a 1-0 victory.
Schalke 04 walloped Werder Bremen 5-0 assuring 34 points and also trailing Bayern Muenchen by three points. This was a major setback for Bremen, although they retain fifth place in the league. Raul and Huntelaar scored their 10th and 14th goals respectively.
Kaiserslautern and Hanover 96 played to a 1-1 draw. Gladbach, with an early goal by Patrick Herrmann, defeated Mainz 05 1-0. The win puts Gladbach into 4th place and just one point behind Dortmund and Schalke. Mainz is just above the relegation zone in 14th place with 19 points.
As the league goes into the winter break both the top and bottom of the league remain tight. With 17 games to go a lot can yet change.
Matchday 17
16.12.11,20.30 Bayern München - 1. FC Köln 3-0
17.12.11,15.30 Hamburger SV - FC Augsburg 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 SC Freiburg - Borussia Dortmund 1-4
17.12.11,15.30 1899 Hoffenheim - Hertha BSC Berlin 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 VfL Wolfsburg - VfB Stuttgart 1-0
17.12.11,15.30 Bayer Leverkusen - 1. FC Nürnberg 0-3
17.12.11,18.30 Schalke 04 - Werder Bremen 5-0
18.12.11,15.30 Kaiserslautern - Hannover 96 1-1
18.12.11,17.30 Mönchengladbach - FSV Mainz 05 1-0
Bundelsiga Table Updated 16 December 2011
GP W D L GF/GA Pts
1 Bayern München 17 12 1 4 43:10 37
2 Borussia Dortmund 17 10 4 3 35:12 34
3 Schalke 04 17 11 1 5 38-22 34
4 Borussia Mönchengladbach 17 10 3 4 25:11 33
5 Werder Bremen 17 9 2 6 30-31 29
6 Bayer Leverkusen 17 7 5 5 22:22 26
7 Hannover 96 17 5 8 4 20-24 23
8 VfB Stuttgart 17 6 4 7 23:20 22
9 1899 Hoffenheim 17 6 4 7 19:18 22
10 1. FC Köln 17 6 3 8 27:35 21
11 Hertha BSC Berlin 17 4 8 5 23:26 20
12 VfL Wolfsburg 17 6 2 9 23:34 20
13 Hamburger SV 17 4 7 6 21:27 19
14 FSV Mainz 05 17 4 6 7 22:29 19
15 1. FC Nürnberg 17 5 3 9 17:28 18
16 1. FC Kaiserslautern 17 3 7 7 13:21 16
17 FC Augsburg 17 3 6 8 15:28 15
18 SC Freiburg 17 3 4 10 21:39 13
Manchester United Offering up to 60 Million Euro for Goeze and Hummel
Go figure, here we go again. According to a report Sir Alex Ferguson is offering as much as 60 Million Euros ($ 78 Million) for the purchase of Borussia Dortmund stars Mario Goetze and defender Mats Hummels. Arsenal had previously offered 35 Million Euros ($ 45 Million) and the offer was rejected by Dortmund.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Manchester United scouts have been present in five Dortmund matches and also during Germany's international against the Netherlands. While their focus was on Mario Goetze they also noticed Mats Hummels. Manchester United and Arsenal did not make it past the group stage of the Champions League. Arsenal presently leads the Premier League.
Goetze is under contract with Dortmund until 2014 and has been categorized as "not for sale" by Dortmund. Goetze, who was born in Memmingen, Southern Germany, came through the youth program of BVB Borussia Dortmund and has been with the club since 2001.
Mats Hummels is a product of the Bayern Munich youth program and has been with Dortmund since 2008, initially on loan from Bayern.
Dortmund recently rejected an Arsenal offer, stating that they had no pain tolerance boundary and that Goetze would not be sold („Wir haben keine Schmerzgrenze und werden Götze nicht abgeben!“)
Dortmund finds the offers amusing. Whether or not Dortmund can be convinced with the high offer for the two Dortmund stars remains to be seen.
Goetze is under contract with Dortmund until 2014 and has been categorized as "not for sale" by Dortmund. Goetze, who was born in Memmingen, Southern Germany, came through the youth program of BVB Borussia Dortmund and has been with the club since 2001.
Dortmund recently rejected an Arsenal offer, stating that they had no pain tolerance boundary and that Goetze would not be sold („Wir haben keine Schmerzgrenze und werden Götze nicht abgeben!“)
Dortmund finds the offers amusing. Whether or not Dortmund can be convinced with the high offer for the two Dortmund stars remains to be seen.
Friday, 16 December 2011
FOX News Iowa GOP Full Debate VIDEO
Candidates were united in their conviction that Barrack Obama must be replaced in the Oval Office, the approval of the XL Keystone Pipeline and the defense of Israel. They chastised the reckless spending of the Obama Administration and the over regulation of the U.S. economy. Ron Paul set him self apart from the field on foreign policy, stating that the U.S. must stop all these wreckless wars. Read More Here
Bundesliga - FC Bayern Wins Matchday 17 Opener Convincingly 3-0
FC Bayern solidified its lead in the Bundesliga with a convincing 3-0 shorthanded win over 1.FC Koln. Gomez, Alaba and Toni Kroos added to the positive goal account of FC Bayern. Manuel Neuer registered another shutout.
Bayern was in control of the game from the start, but had difficulty penetrating a solid Koln defence initially. Koln laid back and concentrated on defence from the start. It was a game of nerves initially. The fact that Ribery was send off in the 33rd minute, did not help Munich to get the upper hand on the scoreboard. Ribery was send off after a yellow card in the 33rd minute, after which he went after Koln's Sereno again, grabbing his face. This resulted in the second yellow card of the game.
The second half started with a bang. Just three minutes into the half, Koln lost the ball on a counter, Bayern quickly switched to offence and Mueller penetrated Koln's 16 meter area, while keeping an eye on Gomez, who moved up with him. Mueller's pass allows Gomez to slide the ball into the net. 1-0 Bayern.
It seemed as if the goal opened the flood gates, Alaba who substituted for Ribery, scored in the 63rd minute. The Austrian international, who looked lively from the outset,m was quick to show his killer instinct. Kroos took a corner and placed it over friend and foe into the five meter area, Alaba was well placed in the area and fired the ball unhampered into the net for his second goal of the season.
Toni Kroos added the third goal for Bayern in the 88th minute. After Olic did the preliminary work, Alaba picked up the ball in the penalty are and passed the ball through to Kroos, in a turnabout the Kroos fired the ball into the net. This was Kroos's first goal of the season.
The win was well deserved by FC Bayern. Koln put stacked their deck of cards on a defensive game. The game was won with patience, especially since Bayern played shorthanded. The win solidifies the lead in the league and Bayern is Herbstmeister. Bayern leads Dortmund with six points, prior to their Matchday 17 match against SC Freiburg tomorrow.
Although this is only a measure of the first half fo the season, Munich has captured the championship 14 out of 16 seasons when they led at the halfway mark.
Matchday 17
16.12.11,20.30 Bayern München - 1. FC Köln 3-0
17.12.11,15.30 Hamburger SV - FC Augsburg 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 SC Freiburg - Borussia Dortmund 1-4
17.12.11,15.30 1899 Hoffenheim - Hertha BSC Berlin 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 VfL Wolfsburg - VfB Stuttgart 1-0
17.12.11,15.30 Bayer Leverkusen - 1. FC Nürnberg 0-3
17.12.11,18.30 Schalke 04 - Werder Bremen 5-0
18.12.11,15.30 Kaiserslautern - Hannover 96 1-1
18.12.11,17.30 Mönchengladbach - FSV Mainz 05 1-0
Bundelsiga Table Updated 16 December 2011
GP W D L GF/GA Pts
1 Bayern München 17 12 1 4 43:10 37
2 Borussia Dortmund 17 10 4 3 35:12 34
3 Schalke 04 17 11 1 5 38-22 34
4 Borussia Mönchengladbach 17 10 3 4 25:11 33
5 Werder Bremen 17 9 2 6 30-31 29
6 Bayer Leverkusen 17 7 5 5 22:22 26
7 Hannover 96 17 5 8 4 20-24 23
8 VfB Stuttgart 17 6 4 7 23:20 22
9 1899 Hoffenheim 17 6 4 7 19:18 22
10 1. FC Köln 17 6 3 8 27:35 21
11 Hertha BSC Berlin 17 4 8 5 23:26 20
12 VfL Wolfsburg 17 6 2 9 23:34 20
13 Hamburger SV 17 4 7 6 21:27 19
14 FSV Mainz 05 17 4 6 7 22:29 19
15 1. FC Nürnberg 17 5 3 9 17:28 18
16 1. FC Kaiserslautern 17 3 7 7 13:21 16
17 FC Augsburg 17 3 6 8 15:28 15
18 SC Freiburg 17 3 4 10 21:39 13 18 SC Freiburg 17 3 4 10 21:39 13
The second half started with a bang. Just three minutes into the half, Koln lost the ball on a counter, Bayern quickly switched to offence and Mueller penetrated Koln's 16 meter area, while keeping an eye on Gomez, who moved up with him. Mueller's pass allows Gomez to slide the ball into the net. 1-0 Bayern.
It seemed as if the goal opened the flood gates, Alaba who substituted for Ribery, scored in the 63rd minute. The Austrian international, who looked lively from the outset,m was quick to show his killer instinct. Kroos took a corner and placed it over friend and foe into the five meter area, Alaba was well placed in the area and fired the ball unhampered into the net for his second goal of the season.
Toni Kroos added the third goal for Bayern in the 88th minute. After Olic did the preliminary work, Alaba picked up the ball in the penalty are and passed the ball through to Kroos, in a turnabout the Kroos fired the ball into the net. This was Kroos's first goal of the season.
The win was well deserved by FC Bayern. Koln put stacked their deck of cards on a defensive game. The game was won with patience, especially since Bayern played shorthanded. The win solidifies the lead in the league and Bayern is Herbstmeister. Bayern leads Dortmund with six points, prior to their Matchday 17 match against SC Freiburg tomorrow.
Although this is only a measure of the first half fo the season, Munich has captured the championship 14 out of 16 seasons when they led at the halfway mark.
Matchday 17
16.12.11,20.30 Bayern München - 1. FC Köln 3-0
17.12.11,15.30 Hamburger SV - FC Augsburg 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 SC Freiburg - Borussia Dortmund 1-4
17.12.11,15.30 1899 Hoffenheim - Hertha BSC Berlin 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 VfL Wolfsburg - VfB Stuttgart 1-0
17.12.11,15.30 Bayer Leverkusen - 1. FC Nürnberg 0-3
17.12.11,18.30 Schalke 04 - Werder Bremen 5-0
18.12.11,15.30 Kaiserslautern - Hannover 96 1-1
18.12.11,17.30 Mönchengladbach - FSV Mainz 05 1-0
Bundelsiga Table Updated 16 December 2011
GP W D L GF/GA Pts
1 Bayern München 17 12 1 4 43:10 37
2 Borussia Dortmund 17 10 4 3 35:12 34
3 Schalke 04 17 11 1 5 38-22 34
4 Borussia Mönchengladbach 17 10 3 4 25:11 33
5 Werder Bremen 17 9 2 6 30-31 29
6 Bayer Leverkusen 17 7 5 5 22:22 26
7 Hannover 96 17 5 8 4 20-24 23
8 VfB Stuttgart 17 6 4 7 23:20 22
9 1899 Hoffenheim 17 6 4 7 19:18 22
10 1. FC Köln 17 6 3 8 27:35 21
11 Hertha BSC Berlin 17 4 8 5 23:26 20
12 VfL Wolfsburg 17 6 2 9 23:34 20
13 Hamburger SV 17 4 7 6 21:27 19
14 FSV Mainz 05 17 4 6 7 22:29 19
15 1. FC Nürnberg 17 5 3 9 17:28 18
16 1. FC Kaiserslautern 17 3 7 7 13:21 16
17 FC Augsburg 17 3 6 8 15:28 15
18 SC Freiburg 17 3 4 10 21:39 13 18 SC Freiburg 17 3 4 10 21:39 13
UEFA Europa League Group of 32 Knockout Phase Draw
The Europa League Group of 16 Knockout phase will commence with an away and home game to be played on the 16th and 23rd of February. In the final draw, group stage winners and four third placed teams from the Champions League Group Stage were seeded.
Matches of interest are Germany's Schalke 04 will take on the Czech Repuplic's Victoria Plzen and Hanover 96 meets FC Brugge.
Manchester United meets the Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam, while Manchester City is matched with FC Porto. Stoke City takes on FC Valencia.
All matchups for the Group of 16:
Viktoria Plzen : FC Schalke 04
Hannover 96 : FC Brügge
Ajax Amsterdam : Manchester United
FC Porto : Manchester City
Stoke City : FC Valencia
Lazio Rom : Atletico Madrid
Lokomotive Moskau : Athletic Bilbao
AZ Alkmaar : RSC Anderlecht
RB Salzburg : Metalist Kharkiv
Steaua Bukarest : Twente Enschede
Trabzonspor : PSV Eindhoven
Udinese Calcio : PAOK Saloniki
Rubin Kazan : Olympiakos Piräus
Wisla Krakow : Standard Lüttich
Sporting Braga : Besiktas Istanbul
Legia Warschau : Sporting Lissabon
Manchester United meets the Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam, while Manchester City is matched with FC Porto. Stoke City takes on FC Valencia.
All matchups for the Group of 16:
Viktoria Plzen : FC Schalke 04
Hannover 96 : FC Brügge
Ajax Amsterdam : Manchester United
FC Porto : Manchester City
Stoke City : FC Valencia
Lazio Rom : Atletico Madrid
Lokomotive Moskau : Athletic Bilbao
AZ Alkmaar : RSC Anderlecht
RB Salzburg : Metalist Kharkiv
Steaua Bukarest : Twente Enschede
Trabzonspor : PSV Eindhoven
Udinese Calcio : PAOK Saloniki
Rubin Kazan : Olympiakos Piräus
Wisla Krakow : Standard Lüttich
Sporting Braga : Besiktas Istanbul
Legia Warschau : Sporting Lissabon
Champions League Group of 16 Draw
The stage is set for the Champions League Group of 16 competition, which will be played as a knock out. Teams will play an away and home match during the periods 14-22 February 2012 and 6-14 March 2012.
Bayern Muenchen should be able to get beyond the Group of 16 with its fortunate draw of FC Basel. The operative word is "if" though. After all FC Basel knocked Manchester United out of the competition. Bayern will have to remain focused, even though they emerged the winner against Basel in the qualification round 3-0 and 2-1.
Bayer Leverkusen drew FC Barcelona and Leverkusen's fans will see stars like Messi and Xavi and Iniesta. David Villa will be out with an injury. Barca is the clear overwhelming favourite. Regardless, the games need to be played and surprises are always possible.
Chelsea drew Napoli and all bets are off in that competition, while Arsenal meets AC Milan. CKSA Moscow drew the other power house Real Madrid and Marseilles is matched with Inter Milan.
The Matches for the Group of 16:
FC Basel vs Bayern Muenchen
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Barcelona
Olympic Lyon vs APOEL Nicosia
SSC Napoli vs Chelsea
AC Milan vs Arsenal
CSKA Moscow vs Real Madrid
Zenit St. Petersburg vs Benefica Lisbon
Olympique Marseilles vs Inter Milan
Bayer Leverkusen drew FC Barcelona and Leverkusen's fans will see stars like Messi and Xavi and Iniesta. David Villa will be out with an injury. Barca is the clear overwhelming favourite. Regardless, the games need to be played and surprises are always possible.
Chelsea drew Napoli and all bets are off in that competition, while Arsenal meets AC Milan. CKSA Moscow drew the other power house Real Madrid and Marseilles is matched with Inter Milan.
The Matches for the Group of 16:
FC Basel vs Bayern Muenchen
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Barcelona
Olympic Lyon vs APOEL Nicosia
SSC Napoli vs Chelsea
AC Milan vs Arsenal
CSKA Moscow vs Real Madrid
Zenit St. Petersburg vs Benefica Lisbon
Olympique Marseilles vs Inter Milan
Thursday, 15 December 2011
DFB Pokal (German FA Cup) Group of 16 Elimination
The German FA elimination rounds continue with the DFB Pokal Group of 16 on December 20th and 21st. Twelve of the 18 Bundesliga teams remain in the competition. Bayer Leverkusen, which has survived the Group stage in the Champions League, is eliminated from this competition.
Interesting matchups this for this round are Gladbach against Schalke, Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV and Berlin vs Kaiserslautern. The match between 1.FC Nuernberg and 2. Bundesliga's Greuther Fuerth could also be a highly charged match.
FC Bayern and Dortmund should have relatively easy matches against their 2. Bundesliga rivals, but the DFB Pokal has often delivered some surprises. This round will probably be no exception.
The only thing that is certain is that after this round only eight clubs will survive. All eight could possibly be Bundesliga but the 2. Liga teams will certainly have a say in that. Greuther Fuerth has the best chance at survival. How will Holstein Kiel fare against Mainz 05? Fortuna Duesseldorf, top of 2. Bundesliga will not make life easy for Dortmund.
Group of 16 DFB Pokal (German FA Cup)
FC Bayern and Dortmund should have relatively easy matches against their 2. Bundesliga rivals, but the DFB Pokal has often delivered some surprises. This round will probably be no exception.
The only thing that is certain is that after this round only eight clubs will survive. All eight could possibly be Bundesliga but the 2. Liga teams will certainly have a say in that. Greuther Fuerth has the best chance at survival. How will Holstein Kiel fare against Mainz 05? Fortuna Duesseldorf, top of 2. Bundesliga will not make life easy for Dortmund.
Group of 16 DFB Pokal (German FA Cup)
| 20.12.2011, 19.00 | VfL Bochum - | Bayern München | ||||
| 20.12.2011, 19.00 | 1. FC Nürnberg - | SpVgg Greuther Fürth | ||||
| 20.12.2011, 20.30 | 1899 Hoffenheim - | FC Augsburg | ||||
| 20.12.2011, 20.30 | Fortuna Düsseldorf - | Borussia Dortmund | ||||
| 21.12.2011, 19.00 | Hertha BSC Berlin - | 1. FC Kaiserslautern | ||||
| 21.12.2011, 19.00 | Holstein Kiel - | FSV Mainz 05 | ||||
| 21.12.2011, 20.30 | VfB Stuttgart - | Hamburger SV | ||||
| 21.12.2011, 20.30 | Bor. Mönchengladbach - | Schalke 04 | ||||
Germany to Start Afghanistan Troop Drawdown
The German "Bundestag" will deliberate a new Afghanistan mandate in January. The mandate will envisages fewer German troops in Afghanistan. While Social Democrats have signalled that they will support the Merkel Government, the Green and Left Party are criticizing the move.
Citing an improved security situation in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Defence Minister Thomas de Maziere, recommended a drawdown of approximately 450 troops in February. The mandate is to be discussed in early January.
Germany presently has a troop ceiling of 5350 soldiers and that ceiling is to be lowered to 4950. Within twelve months, the end of 2012, that ceiling is to be reduced to 4400, based on the situation on the ground.
Most German troops are stationed in Kunduz, Province. Germany has not been involved in the heavy fighting that has been the norm in the Taliban's homeland in Helmand and Kandahar Province. Nonetheless there have been German casualties. A total of 53 German soldiers and 3 police officers were killed. 245 service personnel have been wounded in action.
Germany's participation in Afghanistan has been controversial. German post World War II troops were first operationally deployed outside of Germany during the NATO Balkans deployment in the former Yugoslavia. The "Bundeswehr's mandate is a defensive one.
Germany did not participate in NATO's Libya operation, but increased support to Afghanistan to permit the U.S. to relocate assets from Afghanistan to support the Libya operation.
While citing improvements in the security situation, both Germany Defence and Foreign Minister were cautious, stating that there could be set backs. The situation in Afghanistan is still very volatile. Corruption and drugs are a major problem in Afghanistan and the Karzai government need to fight both corruption and the drug trade if a transition is to be successful.
The drawdown goes hand in hand with President Obama's announcement earlier this year of troop U.S. troop withdrawals. Canada's combat role ended in July and the combat contingent was replaced by approximately 900 trainers.
Germany presently has a troop ceiling of 5350 soldiers and that ceiling is to be lowered to 4950. Within twelve months, the end of 2012, that ceiling is to be reduced to 4400, based on the situation on the ground.
Most German troops are stationed in Kunduz, Province. Germany has not been involved in the heavy fighting that has been the norm in the Taliban's homeland in Helmand and Kandahar Province. Nonetheless there have been German casualties. A total of 53 German soldiers and 3 police officers were killed. 245 service personnel have been wounded in action.
Germany's participation in Afghanistan has been controversial. German post World War II troops were first operationally deployed outside of Germany during the NATO Balkans deployment in the former Yugoslavia. The "Bundeswehr's mandate is a defensive one.
Germany did not participate in NATO's Libya operation, but increased support to Afghanistan to permit the U.S. to relocate assets from Afghanistan to support the Libya operation.
While citing improvements in the security situation, both Germany Defence and Foreign Minister were cautious, stating that there could be set backs. The situation in Afghanistan is still very volatile. Corruption and drugs are a major problem in Afghanistan and the Karzai government need to fight both corruption and the drug trade if a transition is to be successful.
The drawdown goes hand in hand with President Obama's announcement earlier this year of troop U.S. troop withdrawals. Canada's combat role ended in July and the combat contingent was replaced by approximately 900 trainers.
Bundesliga Matchday 17 - December 16th - 18th Fixtures and Preview
Bundesliga Matchday 17 kicks off tomorrow with FC Bayern hosting 1. FC Koeln in the Allianz Arena in Munich. Bayern leads the league with 34 points, a three point lead over challengers Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04. Munich has a 10 goal difference lead over Borussia Dortmund and will emerge as the official Herbstmeister (Fall champion) prior to the mid season winter break. Lukas Podolski has been successful as a goal scorer this season and is challenging the scoring leaders.
On Saturday Dortmund is guest in Freiburg, which is trailing the league. Dortmund should have no difficulty in picking up three points in the away match. Schalke 04 hosts Bremen, which will be a challenge for the "Knappen" from Gelsenkirchen.
On Sunday Gladbach hosts Mainz 05, which was deprived of three points against Koeln in the make up match of matchday 13 earlier this week, due to a late goal by Lukas Podolski. This will be a must win for both Gladbach and Mainz. For Mainz it will gain some distance from the relegation zone, while for Gladbach a win will keep contact with the league leaders.
FC Bayern coch Jupp Heynckes had hoped that Schweinsteiger, who has returned to training, would be available for the final match before the winter break and possibly the DFB Pokal match against Bochum. Unfortunately, Schweinsteiger will not be available. The FC Bayern medical department has determined that the reinjury risk is still too high. Both Heynckes and Schweinsteiger are disappointed with the decision. Schweinsteiger broke his collar bone on November 2nd during a Champions League home game against Napoli.
Matchday 17 completes the first half of the season, which has been full of surprises. Gladbach, which was close to relegation last season, has surged and is a contender for the championship. Augsburg is struggling in their debut to the Bundesliga and their visit to Hamburg this weekend will be another challenge. Earlier on in the season it looked like FC Bayern would take be a runaway leader and that Manuel Neuer was unbeatable. It turns out he is only human too.
The Bundesliga this season has been exciting and nothing has been decided. The remaining matchdays after the winter break will keep fans on the edge of their seat.
Fixtures for Matchday 17
16.12.11,20.30 Bayern München - 1. FC Köln 3-0
17.12.11,15.30 Hamburger SV - FC Augsburg 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 SC Freiburg - Borussia Dortmund 1-4
17.12.11,15.30 1899 Hoffenheim - Hertha BSC Berlin 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 VfL Wolfsburg - VfB Stuttgart 1-0
17.12.11,15.30 Bayer Leverkusen - 1. FC Nürnberg 0-3
17.12.11,18.30 Schalke 04 - Werder Bremen 5-0
18.12.11,15.30 Kaiserslautern - Hannover 96 1-1
18.12.11,17.30 Mönchengladbach - FSV Mainz 05 1-0
Bundelsiga Table Updated 16 December 2011
GP W D L GF/GA Pts
1 Bayern München 17 12 1 4 43:10 37
2 Borussia Dortmund 17 10 4 3 35:12 34
3 Schalke 04 17 11 1 5 38-22 34
4 Borussia Mönchengladbach 17 10 3 4 25:11 33
5 Werder Bremen 17 9 2 6 30-31 29
6 Bayer Leverkusen 17 7 5 5 22:22 26
7 Hannover 96 17 5 8 4 20-24 23
8 VfB Stuttgart 17 6 4 7 23:20 22
9 1899 Hoffenheim 17 6 4 7 19:18 22
10 1. FC Köln 17 6 3 8 27:35 21
11 Hertha BSC Berlin 17 4 8 5 23:26 20
12 VfL Wolfsburg 17 6 2 9 23:34 20
13 Hamburger SV 17 4 7 6 21:27 19
14 FSV Mainz 05 17 4 6 7 22:29 19
15 1. FC Nürnberg 17 5 3 9 17:28 18
16 1. FC Kaiserslautern 17 3 7 7 13:21 16
17 FC Augsburg 17 3 6 8 15:28 15
18 SC Freiburg 17 3 4 10 21:39 13
On Sunday Gladbach hosts Mainz 05, which was deprived of three points against Koeln in the make up match of matchday 13 earlier this week, due to a late goal by Lukas Podolski. This will be a must win for both Gladbach and Mainz. For Mainz it will gain some distance from the relegation zone, while for Gladbach a win will keep contact with the league leaders.
FC Bayern coch Jupp Heynckes had hoped that Schweinsteiger, who has returned to training, would be available for the final match before the winter break and possibly the DFB Pokal match against Bochum. Unfortunately, Schweinsteiger will not be available. The FC Bayern medical department has determined that the reinjury risk is still too high. Both Heynckes and Schweinsteiger are disappointed with the decision. Schweinsteiger broke his collar bone on November 2nd during a Champions League home game against Napoli.
Matchday 17 completes the first half of the season, which has been full of surprises. Gladbach, which was close to relegation last season, has surged and is a contender for the championship. Augsburg is struggling in their debut to the Bundesliga and their visit to Hamburg this weekend will be another challenge. Earlier on in the season it looked like FC Bayern would take be a runaway leader and that Manuel Neuer was unbeatable. It turns out he is only human too.
The Bundesliga this season has been exciting and nothing has been decided. The remaining matchdays after the winter break will keep fans on the edge of their seat.
Fixtures for Matchday 17
16.12.11,20.30 Bayern München - 1. FC Köln 3-0
17.12.11,15.30 Hamburger SV - FC Augsburg 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 SC Freiburg - Borussia Dortmund 1-4
17.12.11,15.30 1899 Hoffenheim - Hertha BSC Berlin 1-1
17.12.11,15.30 VfL Wolfsburg - VfB Stuttgart 1-0
17.12.11,15.30 Bayer Leverkusen - 1. FC Nürnberg 0-3
17.12.11,18.30 Schalke 04 - Werder Bremen 5-0
18.12.11,15.30 Kaiserslautern - Hannover 96 1-1
18.12.11,17.30 Mönchengladbach - FSV Mainz 05 1-0
Bundelsiga Table Updated 16 December 2011
GP W D L GF/GA Pts
1 Bayern München 17 12 1 4 43:10 37
2 Borussia Dortmund 17 10 4 3 35:12 34
3 Schalke 04 17 11 1 5 38-22 34
4 Borussia Mönchengladbach 17 10 3 4 25:11 33
5 Werder Bremen 17 9 2 6 30-31 29
6 Bayer Leverkusen 17 7 5 5 22:22 26
7 Hannover 96 17 5 8 4 20-24 23
8 VfB Stuttgart 17 6 4 7 23:20 22
9 1899 Hoffenheim 17 6 4 7 19:18 22
10 1. FC Köln 17 6 3 8 27:35 21
11 Hertha BSC Berlin 17 4 8 5 23:26 20
12 VfL Wolfsburg 17 6 2 9 23:34 20
13 Hamburger SV 17 4 7 6 21:27 19
14 FSV Mainz 05 17 4 6 7 22:29 19
15 1. FC Nürnberg 17 5 3 9 17:28 18
16 1. FC Kaiserslautern 17 3 7 7 13:21 16
17 FC Augsburg 17 3 6 8 15:28 15
18 SC Freiburg 17 3 4 10 21:39 13
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Emotions Fly in House of Commons - Liberal MP Calls Minister a Piece of S--t
Canada has exercised its legal right to withdraw from the Kyoto Accord. Environment Minister Peter Kent announced that he had informed the UN of Canada's intentions. Since the announcement emotions and attacks on the Conservative Government have been more emotional than ever. Today's outburst by Liberal MP, Justin Trudeau, took the cake though. He called the Energy Minister a "piece of shit."
Green Party MP Elizabeth May and NDP Energy Critic Megan Leslie have lead the charge against the government. There were allegations of Canada being an impediment to moving forward on a climate treaty.
During the House of Commons Question Period today, a period which is basically a circus for the media, after comments from Megan Leslie, NDP, Peter Kent told the Nova Scotia MP that she was ill informed, since she had not attended the conference.
Apparently at that moment Liberal MP Justin Trudeau lost his cool and called the Minister a "piece of shit". Unlike his father, who seemingly uttered a profanity in the House of Commons and said that it was fuddle duddle, Trudeau's swearing was heard loud and clear.
During the daily Question Period, the House of Commons becomes a circus and Canadians know it. This has gone beyond the bounds of decency though, even though Trudeau apologized.
"I lost my temper and used language that was most decidedly unparliamentary and for that I unreservedly apologize and withdraw my remarks," he said.
Kent said he wasn't troubled by the language but asked Trudeau to apologize to the House of Commons.
Elizabeth May was quick to put it out on twitter "Justin Trudeau explained why he lost his temper. (Kent accusing Megan Leslie of skipping COP17). And he "unreservedly" apologized."
Whether or not Kent said Leslie skipped the conference is questionable. News reports just quoted him as saying that she ill informed because she wasn't there.
It's getting to the point, where the behaviour in the House of Commons is getting out of hand. While opposition opinions should be desireable, this nastiness has no place in our Parliament. Let's quit behaving like little children and grow up.
During the House of Commons Question Period today, a period which is basically a circus for the media, after comments from Megan Leslie, NDP, Peter Kent told the Nova Scotia MP that she was ill informed, since she had not attended the conference.
Apparently at that moment Liberal MP Justin Trudeau lost his cool and called the Minister a "piece of shit". Unlike his father, who seemingly uttered a profanity in the House of Commons and said that it was fuddle duddle, Trudeau's swearing was heard loud and clear.
During the daily Question Period, the House of Commons becomes a circus and Canadians know it. This has gone beyond the bounds of decency though, even though Trudeau apologized.
"I lost my temper and used language that was most decidedly unparliamentary and for that I unreservedly apologize and withdraw my remarks," he said.
Kent said he wasn't troubled by the language but asked Trudeau to apologize to the House of Commons.
Elizabeth May was quick to put it out on twitter "Justin Trudeau explained why he lost his temper. (Kent accusing Megan Leslie of skipping COP17). And he "unreservedly" apologized."
Whether or not Kent said Leslie skipped the conference is questionable. News reports just quoted him as saying that she ill informed because she wasn't there.
It's getting to the point, where the behaviour in the House of Commons is getting out of hand. While opposition opinions should be desireable, this nastiness has no place in our Parliament. Let's quit behaving like little children and grow up.
Canada - Durban Agreement and Kyoto
Canada's Environment Minister Peter Kent announced Monday that Canada would legally withdraw from the Kyoto Accord. The announcement was made after the Minister attended COP 17 in Durban. Under the accord a country is required to give a year's notice to withdraw.
The announcement has caused a firestorm, especially by opposition parties, the most vocal being Elizabeth May, the Leader of Canada's green party. She went as far as accusing the Harper government of breaking the law.
"The Kyoto Implementation Act was passed by the House of Commons in 2007 and has royal assent. It requires Canada to continue reporting and doing its job, fulfilling its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol," she said. "I wonder that the prime minister of this country thinks he can withdraw us from an international treaty which was ratified by the House of Commons with no discussion in the House, and violate a domestic law with no discussion in the House." Source CBC
Kyoto was originally signed by the Chretien Liberal government and despite good intentions nothing was done by the Chretien and Martin liberals to meet the promised targets. Stephan Dion ran an election campaign based on green values, which were rejected by Canadians and in 2005 Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives were first elected as a minority government. Since May 2011 Harper leads a majority government in the House of Commons.
Canada's economy is closely aligned to the United States, with $1.6 Billion of trade crossing the U.S./Canada border daily. The United States from the Clinton Administration to the present Obama Administration has not ratified Kyoto and as such is not part of the Kyoto Accord.
The United States, China and Russia are the world's largest CO2 emitters, with the United States emitting over one quarter of the worlds total. China's contribution is 15%, while Russia emits just under 7%. Canada on the overall scale emits 2.3% of the worlds carbon, a pittance overall. Despite this, Greenpeace and other environmental groups, including Elizabeth May and the NDP Energy critic Meghan Leslie keep dumping on the Alberta oil sands and insist that Canada is disgusting.
Peter Kent contends, and rightfully so, that the Kyoto Accord does absolutely nothing to reduce global carbon emission without the inclusion of the US, China, Brazil and South Africa. Both Canada and the United States have their carbon emission target aligned. The government has committed to reduce target by 17% by from 2005 levels by 2020. This is the same commitment mad by the United States. When pressed by Parliament on the decision to leave Kyoto, Prime Minister Harper said that the targets were stupid and made no sense for Canada.
Despite the outcry, Canada has agreed to be part of a new accord recommended at Durbin. That accord will include all of the world's emitters, including China. The new accord is to be completed by 2015 with implementation by 2020.
In a recent CTV/Nanos poll only 5% of Canadians saw the environment as a top priority, while a majority of Canadians said it was the economy.
The Harper government was faced with a choice, either continue within the framework of Kyoto and be hypocritical, since no government ever met the targets nor intend to or to work toward a new accord that is all inclusive. Given the economic situation and the close alignment with the U.S. economy, opting out of Kyoto made ultimate sense.
While I respect the passionate engagement of Elizabeth May, it is time to cut back the rhetoric and start operating within the realm of reality. The Liberals have no room to talk. They signed the Kyoto Accord but never intended to meet targets. As for the NDP "Talk is cheap - Whiskey costs money".
Pie Chart of Global Emissions
"The Kyoto Implementation Act was passed by the House of Commons in 2007 and has royal assent. It requires Canada to continue reporting and doing its job, fulfilling its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol," she said. "I wonder that the prime minister of this country thinks he can withdraw us from an international treaty which was ratified by the House of Commons with no discussion in the House, and violate a domestic law with no discussion in the House." Source CBC
Kyoto was originally signed by the Chretien Liberal government and despite good intentions nothing was done by the Chretien and Martin liberals to meet the promised targets. Stephan Dion ran an election campaign based on green values, which were rejected by Canadians and in 2005 Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives were first elected as a minority government. Since May 2011 Harper leads a majority government in the House of Commons.
Canada's economy is closely aligned to the United States, with $1.6 Billion of trade crossing the U.S./Canada border daily. The United States from the Clinton Administration to the present Obama Administration has not ratified Kyoto and as such is not part of the Kyoto Accord.
The United States, China and Russia are the world's largest CO2 emitters, with the United States emitting over one quarter of the worlds total. China's contribution is 15%, while Russia emits just under 7%. Canada on the overall scale emits 2.3% of the worlds carbon, a pittance overall. Despite this, Greenpeace and other environmental groups, including Elizabeth May and the NDP Energy critic Meghan Leslie keep dumping on the Alberta oil sands and insist that Canada is disgusting.
Peter Kent contends, and rightfully so, that the Kyoto Accord does absolutely nothing to reduce global carbon emission without the inclusion of the US, China, Brazil and South Africa. Both Canada and the United States have their carbon emission target aligned. The government has committed to reduce target by 17% by from 2005 levels by 2020. This is the same commitment mad by the United States. When pressed by Parliament on the decision to leave Kyoto, Prime Minister Harper said that the targets were stupid and made no sense for Canada.
"In terms of climate change, we're pursuing policies domestically and nationally and internationally. We're working for the creation of an international protocol that will include all major emitters," Harper said.Complying with Kyoto would have cost the Federal Government around $16 Billion, according to Environment Minister Peter Kent. During a time of slow growth and volatility in the global economy spending that kind of money just doesn't make sense.
"What this government has never favoured is the protocol that only controls a little bit of global emissions, not enough to actually make any difference but enough to transfer Canadian jobs overseas. And we will never agree to that."
Despite the outcry, Canada has agreed to be part of a new accord recommended at Durbin. That accord will include all of the world's emitters, including China. The new accord is to be completed by 2015 with implementation by 2020.
In a recent CTV/Nanos poll only 5% of Canadians saw the environment as a top priority, while a majority of Canadians said it was the economy.
Top Issue Question: What is your most important NATIONAL issue of concern? [Unprompted] (n=1,202)
The numbers in parentheses denote the change from October 24th, 2011 (n=1,202).
Jobs/economy 29.3% (+2.7)
Healthcare 22.8% (-4.8)
Education 6.2% (-1.4)
The environment 4.9% (-1.7)
Debt/deficit 4.2% (+1.1)
Unsure 11.8% (+3.3)
The Harper government was faced with a choice, either continue within the framework of Kyoto and be hypocritical, since no government ever met the targets nor intend to or to work toward a new accord that is all inclusive. Given the economic situation and the close alignment with the U.S. economy, opting out of Kyoto made ultimate sense.
The federal government is entirely correct to withdraw Canada from the Kyoto Protocol.
If the international climate treaty was ever about saving the planet from global warming, that ceased to be its goal long ago. As demonstrated by the final agreement signed over the weekend at the United Nations climate summit in Durban, South Africa, Kyoto is now mostly about punishing rich countries for being rich and forcing them to pay vast sums — up to $1.6-trillion a year — to the UN for redistribution to poorer nations (after, of course, the UN has taken a healthy cut off the top to support its own wasteful bureaucracy, nepotism, cronyism, incompetence and corruption). National Post
While I respect the passionate engagement of Elizabeth May, it is time to cut back the rhetoric and start operating within the realm of reality. The Liberals have no room to talk. They signed the Kyoto Accord but never intended to meet targets. As for the NDP "Talk is cheap - Whiskey costs money".
Pie Chart of Global Emissions
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Bundesliga Matchday 16 Round Up - Podolski Gets Fourth Double Pack
Matchday 16 is in the books and FC Bayern has, once again, secured top spot in the Bundesliga. With only one matchday to go before the winter break, Bayern has secured the Herbst Meisterschaft (Fall Champion) Their 2-1 win over VFB Stuttgart clinched the top spot. Dortmund only managed a tie at home against Kaiserslauern, while Gladbach was defeated by newcomer Augsburg, which registered only its third victory of the season.
Gladbach was defeated by second half goal in Augsburg leaving the team
one point behind the two league leaders. Bremen convincingly defeated
Wolfsburg moving into fifth place.
Schalke 04, after its 2-1 victory in Berlin has moved into spot 2, with
a better goal for/against ratio than Borussia Dortmund. Mainz and
Hamburg shared a point after a scoreless draw in Mainz. Hoffenheim with
its win in Nuernberg has broken into the top ten of the league. Lukas
Podolski and Clemens, each with a double pack perfected a 4-0 win over
SC Freiburg. Freiburg is now bringing up the rear end of the
Bundesliga.
Mainz and Koln met today to play catchup to matchday 13, a game that was cancelled due to the attempted suicide of a referee. A late goal by Lukas Podolski saved a point for Koeln.
Matchday 16
09.12.11,20.30 Hertha BSC Berlin - Schalke 04 1-2
10.12.11,15.30 Werder Bremen - VfL Wolfsburg 4-1
10.12.11,15.30 FSV Mainz 05 - Hamburger SV 0-0
10.12.11,15.30 1. FC Nürnberg - 1899 Hoffenheim 0-2
10.12.11,15.30 1. FC Köln - SC Freiburg 4-0
10.12.11,15.30 FC Augsburg - Mönchengladbach 1-0
10.12.11,18.30 Hannover 96 - Bayer Leverkusen 0-0
11.12.11,15.30 Borussia Dortmund - Kaiserslautern 1-1
11.12.11,17.30 VfB Stuttgart - Bayern München 1-2
Bundelsiga Table Updated 02 December 2011
GP W D L GF/GA Pts
1 Bayern München 16 11 1 4 40:10 34
2 Borussia Dortmund 16 9 4 3 31:11 31
3 Schalke 04 16 10 1 5 33-22 31
4 Borussia Mönchengladbach 16 9 3 4 24:11 30
5 Werder Bremen 16 9 2 5 30-26 29
6 Bayer Leverkusen 16 7 5 4 22:19 26
7 VfB Stuttgart 16 6 4 6 23:19 22
8 Hannover 96 16 5 7 4 19:23 22
9 1899 Hoffenheim 16 6 3 7 18:18 21
10 1. FC Köln 16 6 3 7 27:32 21
11 Hertha BSC Berlin 16 4 7 5 23:25 19
13 FSV Mainz 05 16 4 6 6 22:28 18
12 Hamburger SV 16 4 6 6 20:26 18
14 VfL Wolfsburg 16 5 2 9 22:34 17
15 1. FC Kaiserslautern 16 3 6 7 12:20 15
16 1. FC Nürnberg 16 4 3 9 14:28 15
17 FC Augsburg 16 3 5 8 14:27 14
18 SC Freiburg 16 3 4 9 20:35 13
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