True Gritt - No Mistake

I really enjoyed the Coen brothers' new blockbuster. Hailee Steinfeld is brilliant as Mattie Ross. And the film's title must be a homage to a South London terrior.

New High by Lowe

Fantastic interview with Xavi  by Sid Lowe in the Guardian. Fascinating insight into the values of Barcelona including this brilliant quote from the maestro, "When you arrive at Barça the first thing they teach you is: think. Think, think, think. Quickly.  Lift your head up, move, see, think. Look before you get the ball. If you're getting this pass, look to see if that guy is free. Pum. First time." Who needs a coaching manual?  Xavi also talks about his admiration for Scholes.

Kiss the Nicer Badge

Last year,  Umbro and Nike commissioned illustrators to devise emblems and badges to be embroidered on to alternative versions of national team shirts. My favourite is the Brazil  badge created by Fernando Chamarelli, an illustrator from Sao Paolo created. He discussed his work on the umbro blog.

Book'em

In Saturday's Independent, There is an interesting article  by Rupert Cornwall, looking at Baltimore as a holiday destination.  I did not know that Babe Ruth was born in Baltimore, nor the importance of the city during the Civil War.  

Bounce of Joy

TP Mazembe goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba clearly enjoyed his African Super Cup victory over FUS Rabat on penelties in Congo. Football can made adults act like kids. And long may it continue.

One Good Turn Deserves......

...... high praise. Even the son(s) of Jupiter found it impossible to keep up with Mr. Xavi.