Entries from July 2007 ↓

Philadelphia, PA
July 19, 2007

Message in a Bottle
Synchronicity II
Walking on the Moon
Voices Inside My Head/
When the World is Running Down
Don’t Stand So Close to Me
Driven to Tears
The Bed’s Too Big Without You
Truth Hits Everybody
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
Wrapped Around Your Finger
Da Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
Invisible Sun
Walking In Your Footsteps
Can’t Stand Losing You/
Reggatta De Blanc
Roxanne

Encores:
King of Pain
So Lonely
Every Breath You Take
Next to You

Another softball game, another loss. This time we got our asses handed to us, and the game ended early - in the fifth inning - due to the 15 run mercy rule. We had more people playing today, so I only got two at bats. I did go 2 for 2, with two singles and an RBI, but that only barely cancels out my rough night at 3rd base - a position I’ve never played before. I had two errors (one throwing, one fielding), and cost us two runs in the process. GROAN.

I’m taking the next game off because of a little matter known as Yanks v Orioles @ Camden Yards, but I’ll definitely be playing again. We’ll see if the captain puts me at third again. My guess is he probably will. Better work on my fielding of ground balls on shitty surfaces.

So, my buddy Rick came over from London to catch the Dispatch shows at MSG this weekend. You see, Rick has a soft spot for Zimbabwe, and since the Dispatch shows were actually benefit concerts for Zimbabwe, he pretty much had to fly over from London for them.

We got VERY VERY drunk, stayed out until the bar closed at 4 AM, and when we did crash, it was at the Hotel Pennsylvania (that of Pennsylvania 6-5000 fame). The hotel SUCKED. I guess that’s what you get for $241 in Manhattan on a Friday night.

Anyway, we had a blast, and if I weren’t moving this weekend, I’d be hanging out in the city with him again tonight. Oh well, there’s always this spring in London! Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery!

Well, the first pre-season match of 2007-08 took place yesterday, and the Gunners ran out comfortable 2-0 winners. Not as comfortable as the 10-0 win a few years ago, but a good result all the same. It was a great opportunity for some of the injured players such as Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott to get some game experience back under their belt, and for some new/younger players to get a run in. One of those players was Nadir Barazite who scored in the 66th minute to seal the win after an 18th minute Adebayor strike had opened the scoring.

Now, it’s off to Austria, and a match on Thursday against Ankara. No TV coverage anywhere, so it’ll be up to Arsenal.com to supply the details.

This film kicks ass. I just saw it in White Marsh with Doris and Amar. To quote Amar (who’s never read nor seen anything Harry Potter before), “That was awesome!”

From Arsenal.com:

French defender Bacary Sagna has signed for Arsenal from Auxerre on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

Sagna (24) who won the French Cup with Auxerre in 2005, was recently called up to the French national squad, where he was an unused substitute in his country’s Euro 2008 Qualifier victory over Georgia in June.

Bacary, who was born in France but has Senegalese parents, has been a regular for Auxerre over the past three seasons, making 87 appearances for the French side during that time. Featuring predominantly at right back, Sagna played a part in Auxerre’s UEFA Cup campaign last season.

Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are delighted to have signed Bacary Sagna. He is a very capable defender and has played consistently well for Auxerre in recent seasons. He plays mainly at right back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong, quick and enjoys defending but also has a good offensive side to his game. He has a fighting spirit and will be a very good addition to our squad.”

Sagna said: “It is great to be joining Arsenal and I’m excited to be playing alongside many great players. I know Abou Diaby from our time together at Auxerre and also Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini from the French Under-21 team. Also Arsène Wenger is a major reason why I have signed for Arsenal. He is an excellent manager with a fantastic record and I am really looking forward to working with him. I’m also looking forward to playing at Emirates Stadium and winning trophies for the Club and all the supporters.”

Bacary will wear the No 3 shirt for Arsenal and will immediately join up with his new team mates.