The Champions League

The Champions League final has been confirmed. Barca booked their place into the final with a 1-0 aggregate win over Milan while Arsenal did so in similarly (if not more so) unconvincing fashion against Villarreal (who?).

Thank goodness for their goalkeeper, otherwise it might be quite a different story now. Villarreal, playing in a ground that would not have been out of place in the English first division, looked a rather good team. They kept possession well and showed some good movement. What they didn't show was good finishing as they wasted numerous chances.

Alas, Arsenal make history in becoming the first London club to reach the European Cup final. Really, this is rather suprising given the size of London & the number of clubs it has. But can they go one step better and win it?

Barcelona are having a good season. They are top of their domestic league and could do a league and European Cup double. Not easy opponents by any means and I am in no doubt they will be the favorites to win it.

But, being underdog might suit the London club. They were underdog against Real Madrid and Juventus too. Didn't do much harm there. And when they went into the semi-finals more fancied they struggled.

So good luck to them. They may need it, but hopefully they will produce a better performance than against Villarreal.

ANZAC Day

This is a little late, as ANZAC day was yesterday. However, better late than never as they say.

If you don't know, ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and is held to remember the efforts of these soldiers during World War 1. And in particular, the Gallipoli campaign.

The Gallipoli campaign proved to be a most unsuccessful military offensive which resulted in many casualties for ANZAC troops (est 10-000 dead). It is a poignant day of remembrance for the lives lost here rather than a celebration or glorification of war.

So, lest we forget the efforts of the ANZAC troops to both your respective countries and the British Empire.

Mario 64 again...

Haven't been able to up-date the blog recently. In the meantime, I stumbled across this rather impressive little video of a fellow completing Mario 64 in 16 minutes. See for yourself at:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6493722340610946105&q=mario+time

He does admittedly cheat a little (by making use of glitches) but all those moves he pulls off without error is still very impressive.