Avengers Assemble!!!

 

 

Iron Man set the stage…Robert Downey Jr embodied the flamboyant playboy Tony Stark with exceptional ease.  And the Avenger Initiative was successfully introduced.

Edward Norton, being a passionate fan of the Bill Bixby Incredible Hulk, absolutely brought the big man to the big screen in a way never before accomplished.

Chris Hemsworth did an exceptional job portraying the Norse God of Thunder in the big-budget incarnation from the great mind of Kenneth Branagh. 

And, finally Chris Evans embodied the World War II Super-Soldier Steve Rogers who became known worldwide as Captain America,

Along the way, characters were introduced, linking the films together into one universe.  Characters such as Samuel L. Jackson as SHIELD Director Nick Fury, Clarke Gregg as SHIELD Agent Coulson, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye.

Now that the stage has been successfully set, the Marvel universe is completely ready to explode on the big screen with the greatest collection of Marvel Superheroes together on the same stage in Marvel’s The Avengers…Often regarded as the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

The Marvel’s Avengers has already set records world-wide with a total of $178.4M in the world-wide box-office, and with the advanced ticket sales in the US already surpassing the previous movies in the Avengers’ universe combined, the Avenger’s will not be a success, but will completely blow away the competition, and set a new standard for Comic-book movies that will leave fanboys creaming in their pants for years to come!

Some Assembly Required!

AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!

Peace
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Metros win but lose Henry

 

The NY Red Bulls faced the NE Revolution at Red Bull Arena coming off of an embarrassing lose to their most hated rivals, DC United at RFK Stadium, 4-1.  Henry managed to score the only goal in that game in highlight reel fashion.  Converting a free kick just outside the box into his 8th goal in 7 games. 

Returning to the friendly confines of Red Bull Arena where they have been unbeatable, they faced a familiar rival in the New England Revolution.  But, fielding a lineup which was without 4 starters, the Red bulls lined-up with local Rookie Connor Lade on the Left and Rookie Tyler Ruthven in the Center…with backup Brandon Barklage on the right…the only starter in the much maligned backline was shaky at best  S. Markus Holgersson.  In midfield, missing Defensive stalwart Teemo Tainio and underachieving overpriced high-profile Rafa Marquez, they instituted a midfield of Joel Lindpere in the attacking center, Dax MaCarty in the Defensive Center, and Mehdi Ballouchy and Dane Richards on the wings.  Up top the two forwards were the dominate pairing of Kenny Cooper and Thierry Henry. 

The Red Bulls totally dominated the first 25 minutes of the game.  Henry scored his league–leading 9th goal in the 7th minute off of an assist from rookie Connor Lade, but the unthinkable soon happened…Thierry Henry went down untouched!  The most horrible sight in soccer is seeing someone go down untouched.  Usually, those kinds of injuries turn into 4-6 weeks, if not the whole season.  In the end, Henry will be out 3-4 weeks, which is a case of good-bad news.

The Red Bull’s makeshift backline held on with the help of Rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara earning him Man-of-the-Match honors as well as his first MLS Career Shutout.  But, now the Red Bulls hit the road without their Captain, and the early clear-cut leader for League MVP, and without 5 starters in their lineup.  This is where Hans Backe can prove or disprove his coaching ability.

The Red Bulls are holding on to 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, but how long will depend on how well they can continue to get points with a makeshift lineup…at least until some of the starters start to return to the lineup.

Let Go Red Bulls!

Peace
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NY Giants in Superbowl XLVI

 

The Giants finished the 2011-12 Regular season needing to beat the Dallas Cowboys to clinch the NFC East and thus making the playoffs.  So, they went ahead and did just that, finishing the season at 9-7, and ending with the 4th seed in the NFL Playoffs.

In the first round they hosted the Atlanta Falcons, and quickly dismissed them from the playoffs, 24-2…

Then they moved on to the Number 1 seeded Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.  A rematch of the 2007 NFC Championship…the last time the Giants were in the playoffs.  Again, they dominated…this time a supposedly superior team and quarterback, 37-20.  Many delusional Packers fans shed tears after that embarrassing lose.

 

Then in the NFC Championship game, they faced they’re toughest opponent to date in the form of the San Francisco 49ers.  But, with grit, determination, and a little luck they defeated the last obstacle between them and the Superbowl, 20-17.

Now, as the 2011 NFC Champion, the NY Football Giants move on to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, IN to face a familiar opponent, the NE Patriots.  In a rematch of Super Bowl  XLII, where the 18-0 NE Patriots faced the wildcard upstart NY Giants, the 2011 Giants look to keep Eli Manning’s undefeated streak against the Pats.

Let’s Go…Big Blue!  Superbowl victory #4 is within sight with Eli Manning having the best season in his career…and they face the Patriots in brother Peyton’s home stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium.

Good Luck Giants!

Peace
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