They changed the logo to a Sans Serif font, one without much variation in thickness.

Here’s a brief explanation from Google explaining the change:

So why are we doing this now? Once upon a time, Google was one destination that you reached from one device: a desktop PC. These days, people interact with Google products across many different platforms, apps and devices—sometimes all in a single day. You expect Google to help you whenever and wherever you need it, whether it’s on your mobile phone, TV, watch, the dashboard in your car, and yes, even a desktop!

 

Today we’re introducing a new logo and identity family that reflects this reality and shows you when the Google magic is working for you, even on the tiniest screens. As you’ll see, we’ve taken the Google logo and branding, which were originally built for a single desktop browser page, and updated them for a world of seamless computing across an endless number of devices and different kinds of inputs (such as tap, type and talk).

 

It doesn’t simply tell you that you’re using Google, but also shows you how Google is working for you. For example, new elements like a colorful Google mic help you identify and interact with Google whether you’re talking, tapping or typing. Meanwhile, we’re bidding adieu to the little blue “g” icon and replacing it with a four-color “G” that matches the logo.

They seem to be using the dots as a pre-loader image for apps and devices, which will show a playful side to the boring waiting GIF’s we are all used to.

Also, they added a new icon that will be used across apps and as a favicon in your browser:

In my opinion the logo change is a good one. I feel that it was only time before they changed the font to a Sans Serif, especially after already flattening the original font that was beveled. Of course you will see all kinds of hate comments when a company makes even a subtle change to their logo, but that’s part of it I guess!

Here are some comments on the change:

What are your thoughts on the new Google logo?

Plex was quick to issue a statement that this ads programming error has nothing to do with it. Later on, several experts blamed Foxtel programming service for these random ads but a statement from Samsung cleared the confusions. Samsung said that it was an error on its part due to a software update that ‘was not intended’ for the Australian customers. Also, it’s important to note that no other Smart TVs are facing this problem and it is now almost confirmed that Samsung Smart TVs are the real cause of this faulty programming.

Earlier this month, Samsung suffered a marketing disaster when it said that Samsung Smart TVs could ‘listen to audience conversations’. What can be more devastating than this label, keeping in view the privacy concerns users around the world have regarding technology devices and software.

However, there’s a temporary fix to this issue. Samsung Smart TV users can turn off these random ads by going in the Samsung TV hub settings and selecting ‘disagree with the Yahoo Privacy Notice’.

Samsung faced a similar humiliation back in January when several smart TV users reported random ads from Yahoo. Samsung has said that it is working with Yahoo on an opt-in ads program and the bugs are caused during the development of this new feature.

If you are a US-based Google Chromecast user, we have good news for you. Several sources have reported that Google is offering a $6 Play Store credit to all the Chromecast users residing in U.S on Valentine’s Day.

Chromecast is simply a replacement for your HDMI cable. The added benefit is you can purchase movies from Google and watch them on your HD TV. Chromecast dongle streams media from your mobile to your HD TV screen and is one of the widely used streaming device in The United States. It costs just $35 and according to CNET, it has much free content available, so much that it is practically free.

What does Google want from this give away is obvious. This give away puts Google ahead of its rivals like Roku or Amazon’s TV play. Some sources also report the availability of this offer to Chromecast users in U.K. Google aims at increasing purchase of videos from its play store than other sources.

To receive the free credit, a user needs to meet a few requirements. Main requirements are having a Chromecast account and being a citizen of U.S. To claim this offer, you will just have to click on this link. There you are requested to confirm owning a Chromecast device and continue to check for available offers. Then you will join the network of your Chromecast gadget. If you are visiting this link from office, it won’t work. You have to be on the same network as you Chromecast streaming device is. There you will be asked to enter you Chromecast ID and verify it. After verifying your ID you will get a “redeem” button. Clicking it will add a $6 credit into your Play Store account.

This $6 credit is not compulsory to be used on movies. Once you have claimed the offer, the money is yours. You can spend it on anything in Play Store.

One of the newest things that Netflix has discovered is Netflix Hue where they try to match the light with what is happening on your TV or computer screen. There is a disconnect that happens when the lights an the screen are not in sync, and Netflix tries to fix this. Having the screen the same can reduce lag. This is one of the main features that Netflix has experimented with, and can reduce all these lagtime errors with syncing lights and screens together.

Netflix has also been experimenting with Occulus rift. This is not a new thing, but it can put videos in an impressive orb around the screen. This is one of the best things you will find with Oculus rift. This feature gives users a movie theater like experience when they are watching their pictures all around them. Another thing that Netflix hack day has come up with and new features that may shortly be part of Netflix is Netflix Mini. Use Netflix Mini to view a movie in a small window. You can get Netflix Mini simply by using and extension of chrome. You will have a very small floating window in which to do so. You can watch a movie in a small window and not have to worry about flipping back and forth. These are some of the great features of this product. All in all Netflix Hack Day should yield great results for consumers.

Check out the article and examples on the Netflix blog.

Sky Sports Live Football SC

You’ve probably heard of Sky Sports. They’re a famous sports network on TV. But they also have a superb football app. Their app offers the latest new, game statistics, scores, penalties, lineups, etc. You can view your favorite teams’s progress during the season and follow players. But one of the best things about this app and what sets it apart from other live football scores apps is that it offers live commentary of games. You’ll feel like you’re watching the match. It also displays what matches are/will be playing on their TV network, so you can tune in there. A really wonderful football app, this is a must for football fans.

Flick Kick Football

I have this app on my smartphone and it is an extremely fun game. There’s no full football game content, only free kicks, but it’s speedy, competitive and rewarding. With a swipe of your finger, you have to get the ball in the net. Whether it’s over a wall of defenders or from a far distance. You can curl, power and twist your shots like no other game. The online compatibility gives this app more great points. You can connect with people worldwide and challenge them. Many different game modes such as practice, time challenge, bulls-eye and skill shot will keep any player busy. This is one of the best free kicking football apps out there and you don’t have to be a football fan to love this game.

New Star Soccer

This app offers the experience of being a football player in real life. You have to deal with the daily problems that football players have to deal with and at the same time will have to shine in the matches. You can buy a new car, or a house and even a cellphone if you want to. The more goals you score, the more offers you will receive from interested clubs. Shooting is simple, drag an arrow across the screen and set the degree of the shot. It’s easy to grasp, very addictive and can be played in short bursts. A great football game that just doesn’t let you play the game, but also let’s you live the lifestyle of a football superstar.

Score! Classic Goals

If you love yourself some classic goals scored by football legends, you’ll love this app. This game asks you to recreate some of the most memorable goals scored in football history. It will first show you a quick display of the goal, and then you will have to replicate the amazing talent of players like Ronaldinho, Beckham, Carlos and many more who have struck some really awesome goals. Not only will you be entertained, but you’ll also be reminded about some of the greatest goals to ever be scored in football. For those looking for some football nostalgia, this game is great for that. It doesn’t require you to play for long periods of time, so whenever you have a few minutes to spare, you can open up this app and try hit some classic goals. Football fans will deeply enjoy a game like this.

These are some of the best football apps available. They’ve all been given great reviews by critics and fans. Football fans will definitely be pleased using these apps. I have a few on my phone, and I love them. For some of them, you don’t even have to be a fan of football. If you enjoy fun game-play, and have even a little knowledge of football, these apps will not disappoint.

 Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector

You can tell by just looking at it that the Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector is a special product. It’s a projector that is laid down on the floor and throws up a giant 147-inch 4K screen, turning any blank wall into a visual masterpiece. The design of the projector is absolutely gorgeous and stunning. It can turn any room into a theater-like atmosphere with great display and sound. You can have your own theater at home! The product is ready to be released this year, but the price was not mentioned. Expect it to be very expensive because we really haven’t seen a gadget quite like this before.

 Razer’s Project Christine

Have you ever felt like designing your own PC? Razer’s Project Christine is trying to be the first ever stack-able and customizable PC. Their idea is to be able to give the people the power to build their own PC. Building a PC in today’s world is not an easy task, and an expensive one too. The concept that Razer is trying to produce is that each important part of the PC (graphics card, hard drive, memory, etc.) will be a compatible and self-contained box-type unit, which can be easily exchanged if necessary. Instead of buying a whole new PC, you can just upgrade the necessary part.

 Vizio’s $1,000 4K Television

The one thing about 4K TVs that draws people away is their heave price. That’s why Vizio’s 4K Television prices at just $1000 is an amazing deal. It mat be only 50-inches, but an extremely high quality 50-inch TV in just a thousand dollars is a deal you cannot miss. You can watch videos in 1080p and have a TV that supports 4K for when more 4K content will be available in the future.

Intel Smart Earbuds

Get ready for some earphones that will change your life. The Intel Smart Earbuds are ear-buds that monitor your body. Both iOS and Android phones can sync to the tracker inside them. They record your distance, pace, calories and time data. But the most important feature it has is that it tracks your heartbeat and shows a visual graph of it on your phone screen. Also, if your heartbeat starts to go above or below your average rate, it will play a song that will calm you down or pump you up. A very cool product.

“Wahlburgers” is a restaurant run by the famous Wahlburger brothers.  They are soon to release a reality TV showthat will air on A&E.  On Wednesday they had a sale to a premiere party, which takes place on January 22nd at the Hingham Harbor.

“It’s all about the Dorchester Youth Collaborative, and the money is going to benefit them, so I’m really happy for them,” Paul Wahlberg, chef and co-owner of Wahlburgers, said in a phone interview.

Wahlberg said he was thrilled that the tickets sold so quickly, and that the $2,500 would help low-income urban youth. Additional opportunities for donations will be available during the event, Wahlberg said.

“It’s a program that Mark [Wahlberg] has been affiliated with for a long time,” Wahlberg said of his brother. “We’re very excited for it, and they were excited as well. It’s a great program, what they do over there is amazing.”

Here is the Wahlburgers Reality Show Teaser

Social Media Can Definitely Impact Markets– On April 23, Associated Press’ Twitter account sent out a tweet saying there “were two explosions in the White House and Barack Obama is injured.” Obviously this was a fake tweet, as the account was hacked but as a result of this the Dow decreased 150 points. It’s funny how a single tweet can effect major markets in powerful ways.

Social Media is Visually Growing- In January, Vine launched. And it took the social media world by storm. Quick six-second videos with humour, love, talent, whatever the case may be were being shared all over the world. Snapchat reached it’s highest potential in 2013. A smart video and picture sharing application allowing the user one to ten seconds for the picture or video to appear. It has become very popular and rumours are that Facebook is interested  in buying it.

Who Said Social Media is only for Kids?-  Billionaire Warren Buffet joined Twitter this year. Regis Philbin also signed up too. 2013 exhibited that world leaders and influential celebrities are grasping onto social media too. I mean, is there any platoform to make your voice heard other than social media?

Advertising on Social Media is Increasing at a Rapid Pace- You might’ve heard of the Superbowl. It’s only the biggest sporting event of the year. So you’re thinking the most popular ad would be a commercial, right? Wrong, it was a smart tweet by Oreo relating to the major power outage at the Superbowl. This shows that no matter how big the event may be on TV, online social media takes the cake in advertsing.

Social Media and TV are Perfect Together- Breaking Bad came to an end in 2013, one of the best shows of all-time. Social media was buzzing each time a new episode aired. Are we witnessing a strong friendship? Hopefully we are.

LG’s smart TV’s may be too smart.  A blogger who calls himself DoctorBeet wrote in a blog post earlier this week that he’d run a traffic analysis on his home router and found that whenever he switched the channel, his LG Smart TV would ping LG’s servers with the name of the channel, along with his TV’s individual identification number.  He even tried turning the collection sharing information off and it still was connecting and sharing with LG’s servers.

It seems like almost every device these days is sharing more and more information.  You can’t even go on Facebook without seeing ads related to what you browsed on a completely different website.  Gone are the days of billboard and magazine advertisements.  Now in the digital world, they can collect more information from advertisements and fine tune ad campaigns, whether you like it or not.

LG is being investigated because of this information collection so we’ll see what happens.

CBS News and UStream have teamed up to provide live coverage of the rescue of the miners in Chile. The miners are trapped about half a mile underground in a collapsed mine. The live UStream is focusing mostly on the top of the tube where the rescuers will be emerging from the ground. This is an intense moment for the miner’s rescue and you can watch it all live right here:

With the Windows Phone 7 smartphones on their way to AT&T next month, of course there needs to be a whole lineup of TV commercials to come along with it. Because that’s what Microsoft does – they spend a lot of money on commercials and promotions and somehow miss the boat on product usability and technology.

Anyway, there are now 5 Windows Phone 7 smartphone videos available and you can see them all below.

Watch the commercials then let us know what you think in the comments:

Twitter announced today that “Twitter for Google TV” will come pre-installed on all Google TV’s. Twitter said that tweets aren’t just about TV shows, they are part of them. And this is true… take a look at the trending topics on any given Sunday for example. Nearly all of the trending topics are related to the NFL games being played. This is also true of the players that are playing on Sunday. For example, when Reggie Bush broke his leg, he and the event dominated Twitter’s trending list. This seems like a perfect platform for Twitter to venture into since TV plays such a huge role in determining what people are tweeting about.

Thoughts?

via Twitter Blog

Toshiba is on the verge of releasing a 3D TV that DOES NOT require viewers to wear those big, annoying 3D glasses. Samsung, Panasonic, Sony and Toshiba all have TV’s on the market that are 3D compatible, but they all require 3D glasses. The new Toshiba’s will be the first natural 3D TV of it’s kind. The new TV’s will go on sale in Japan in December, come in 20-inch and 12-inch models, and carry a price tag of ¥240,000 and ¥120,000, or $2,880 and $1,440, respectively.

via NYTimes

Goldman Sachs had a civil law suit filed against it by female employees who allege that the financial institution discriminates against females in the areas of promotions, pay, and workplace treatment. This is a civil action law suit, and the suit is being brought by female employees who claim the discrimination occurs at the associate, directors, and managing directors’ level within the business.

No statements yet from Goldman Sachs directly addressing the discrimination law suit.

The image above

The image at the top is from Goldman Sachs overview page on their website ).

Notice how the image has 2 men and 1 woman.

What might also be obvious is that everyone is white.

Is this just grasping at straws here or are the discrimination allegations legitimate against Goldman Sachs?

Thoughts?

via CNBC TV

YouTube is looking to offer live streaming services to users that would compete directly against the likes of UStream, Justin.tv, and Livestream. In conjunction with content partners such as Rocketboom and Young Hollywood, YouTube is launching a two-day trial of live streaming. YouTube will be looking at both live streaming of video and also live comments within the live video streams.

Josh Siegel, a product manager at YouTube, has said, “This is just an initial trial, a first step… We’re going to look at a whole bunch of data about the performance of our new platform and then, based on that, make decisions about how we’ll open it up, with the goal of opening it up to all of our partners over time.”

via TelegraphUK

Today, Argentina becomes the 25th country to get it’s own YouTube branded site. Along with getting it’s own YouTube site, Argentina will now be privy to “Argentina” specific video content such as news, sports, tv videos, and channels that originate within the country.

To get to YouTube Argentina, simply go to the bottom of any YouTube page, click on the ‘Location’ tab, and select Argentina from the menu.

via Youtube-global

The way you experience the internet is about to change with the arrival of Google TV.

Google TV is scheduled to be released by this Fall (2010), according to Eric Schmidt, Google CEO.

Sony is already signed on as a partner to work with Google TV, and Samsung is now considering working with Google to bring Android powered TV’s to the market place.

So how much will Google TV cost?

Nothing – it will be 100% free.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt said that the web enabled TV service would be free and they will work with a variety of program makers and manufacturers to bring a full web browsing experience to your TV.

“We will work with content providers, but it is very unlikely that we will get into actual content production,” Schmidt told journalists after a keynote speech to the IFA consumer electronics trade fair in Berlin.

Here’s a promo video for Google TV:

via Reuters, Google.com/tv

Samsung is now looking to Google’s Android operating system to power a new lineup of web enabled TV’s.

In Seoul, Korea, Yoon Boo Keun, Samsung’s TV business executive, is quoted as saying that Samsung is currently “reviewing” the possibility of launching Android OS powered televisions.

Not making any commitment to solid dates or details, Yoon Boo Keun said “we will have to see.”

This is not the first time we’ve heard Samsung TV’s associated with Google Android. Back in April, the Korean Herald reported that a Samsung executive said the company might be developing a “Google TV” running Android.

Samsung is currently the top TV manufacturer in the United States with a 19.7 percent market share.

Other Google Android OS projects headed up by Samsung include the Galaxy S smartphones, the Samsung Fascinate, and the new Android based tablet called the Galaxy Tab.

via CNET, Bloomberg

The PGA Championship 2010 iPhone app sounded good at first. That is, until I downloaded it and realized I had to pay $1.99 to watch a video. What??? $1.99 to watch a video – and you (the PGA) are running ads on the iPhone app??? What’s up with that madness? So anyway, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the PGA Championship 2010 iPhone app on iTunes is getting a lot of downloads, but is getting hammered in the customer review section. So hey, PGA folk, if you are reading this then you might want to check out the iTunes customer review section – nobody appreciates having to pay for video, especially when you are already running ads on your app.

Check out PGA Championship 2010 iPhone app in iTunes.

View the 2010 PGA Championship TV schedule

The 2010 PGA Championship starts today, and as players had to wait for the fog to life at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, the world is actively searching for the TV schedule to the tournament.

Below is the PGA Championship 2010 TV schedule:

Tuesday, August 10
PGA Championship news conferences
12:45-4:00 p.m. GOLF

Wednesday, August 11
PGA Championship news conferences
1:00-3:00 p.m. GOLF

Thursday, August 12
PGA Championship, Round 1
1:00-8:00 p.m. TNT

Friday, August 13
PGA Championship, Round 2
1:00-8:00 p.m. TNT

Saturday, August 14
PGA Championship, Round 3
11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. TNT

Saturday, August 14
PGA Championship, Round 3
2:00-7:00 p.m. CBS

Sunday, August 15
PGA Championship, Final Round
11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. TNT

Sunday, August 15
PGA Championship, Final Round
2:00-7:00 p.m. CBS

It looks like TNT gets all the coverage during the weekday, but once the weekend hits, CBS has control of the TV coverage and of course, the advertising revenue from the high volume of viewers.

Read about the PGA Championship 2010 iPhone App

via PGA.com

LOS ANGELES – Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor was in critical condition Friday after undergoing hip replacement surgery earlier in the week, her husband said.

Gabor, 93, had injuries to the right side of her body, including a broken hip, after she fell out of bed last weekend trying to get into a wheelchair at her Bel-Air home, said Prince Frederic von Anhalt, Gabor’s husband.

Gabor initially appeared to be recovering after the hip surgery Monday at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, her publicist John Blanchette said.

Blanchette said von Anhalt told him Friday that “doctors were working very hard to stabilize her.”

“Right now she’s not communicative,” Blanchette said. “Only time will tell.”

He said doctors had taken Gabor off morphine and were putting her on another painkiller with the hope that would help the situation.

Blanchette said earlier Friday the actress might have suffered a stroke during surgery, but von Anhalt said doctors have not confirmed there was a stroke.

“It’s just speculation,” von Anhalt said. “We have to wait a few more days to see what is going on.”

Von Anhalt said his wife was conscious.

“She looks at us but doesn’t know what is going on,” he said.

Gabor’s daughter Constance Francesca Hilton said her mother was talking during a visit on Friday.

Gabor is “adjusting to the medications and healing process. There are no surprises,” Hilton said in a statement.

The statement said Gabor was in guarded condition, but Hilton could not be reached for further clarification.

Gabor, a Hungarian-born sexpot of the 1950s and 1960s, has to use a wheelchair after being partially paralyzed in a 2002 car accident. The wheelchair’s brake wasn’t on and it moved away, causing the fall last weekend, Blanchette said.

Gabor appeared in films ranging from “Moulin Rouge” in 1952 to “Queen of Outer Space” in 1958. She also appeared on TV specials and game shows, and as a guest on several television series, often playing herself.

[source: Yahoo News]

BP has completed the replacement of a critical choke line to the new seal cap on BP’s leaking oil pipe. The choke line was a critical piece of equipment in the testing of the integrity and pressure of BP’s new seal containment cap.

According to CNN, testing on the new seal containment cap is intended to measure the pressure readings from BP’s leaking oil pipe, and the tests are scheduled to last 48 hours, according to retired Adm. Thad Allen, the government’s response manager.

If successful, BP will slowly close the valves of the seal cap hoping to completely shut off the gushing oil from the Macondo well.

US government scientists and engineers have estimated that between 1.5 million to 2.5 million gallons are flowing into the Gulf every day.

As a word of caution, BP warns that should the testing be sufficient to start closing valves, the contained pressure may causing leaks to burst in other sections of the pipe. Basically, we could have more or even worse sections of the pipe exploding and oil gushing into Gulf.

Here’s the BP oil spill live feed as of right now:

Video streaming by Ustream

By now, some people might be wondering if Chad Ochocinco is an NFL football wide receiver or a Hollywood celebrity. After his first reality TV show this season in Dancing With The Stars, Chad Ochocinco has apparently not had enough of the bright lights.

Tonight on VH1, his new reality TV show called “Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch” debuted with a 90 minute episode.

This new reality TV show has Chad trying to chose a date. The show started out with 85 women (ocho-cinco), and gets narrowed down from there.

Regardless of his ambitions for reality TV, I would think that someone in the Bengals organization is going to have some issues with all of the extra curricular activities of Chad Ochocinco.

The stage is set for UFC 116 in Las Vegas. The featured fight for UFC 116 is the heavyweight championship belt between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin. These two heavyweights are ready, in shape, and determined to quickly eliminate the other guy.

So Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin are on the main fight card.

Here’s the other fights and the UFC 116 fight card:

Main card

You can watch UFC 116 via Pay Per View on TV tonight.

However, you can watch UFC 116 live online via Yahoo Sports.

The featured World Cup 2010 match between Spain and Paraguay is live right now on ABC TV. The Spain vs Paraguay match is now playing anywhere on the web today. Typically the World Cup matches are showing live on ESPN3.com. However, that’s not the case today.

So if you are wanting to watch the World Cup match between Spain and Paraguay, then tune in to ABC tv right now.

The 2010 World Cup is coming down to the final teams and the pressure is getting high for the teams to either win, or get eliminated.

The match between Germany and Argentina ended in Germany routing the Argentina team 4 – 0.

Wow! What an exciting time in sports. Serena Williams just won the Wimbledon, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is starting to narrow down to the final, and starting today, July 3rd, we have the Tour de France kicking off.

Tour de France fans will get to see the riders embark on a 5.5-mile joy ride (officially called the prologue) in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The first official stage of the race  starts tomorrow with a 138.9-mile ride from Rotterdam to Brussels, Belgium. Then, the riders will complete 20 more stages to wind up in Paris, France on July 25.

One of the best ways to follow the Tour de France online is by visiting the official Tour de France.

Track the Tour de France live online here

Lance Armstrong has said this will officially be his last Tour de France race and obviously, he is out to win it. Yeah, I know… we’ve heard that before right?

Lance Armstrong has won 7 straight Tour de France titles from 1999-2005.

According to Zimbio, Armstrong, 38, said of the challenge ahead of him (via Philly.com): “With my age, and the explosiveness of the other guys, my own struggles with the time trials in the last couple of years . . . we’ll have to be smart, to be a bit lucky, to play the team card a little bit.”

The Tour de France will be covered live on TV as well. Check ESPN listings and programming for more coverage details.

UFC 116 Weigh In – Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin Featured Fight

The weigh in for UFC 116 took place today at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. And the featured fight on the UFC 116 ticket was also the featured weigh in today.

Over three thousands MMA fans crowded the arena to cheer on their favorite fighters as they weighed in. And no one was more excited than when Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar took to the scale.

The UFC 116 fight will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and can be viewed Saturday night on pay per view and Spike TV broadcasts events.

When Shane Carwin, the interim heavyweight champion, took to the scale the crowd rose to their feet and cheered. However, when it was Brock Lesnar’s turn, the arena instantly filled with boos.

I think it’s clear who the fan’s favorite fighter is.

Both Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar weighed in a hefty 265 pounds for their fight.

When the two heavyweights squared up for the stare down media shot, luckily there wasn’t any scuffles or drama.

All went well and both fighters seem to be ready to take their aggression out on each other in the octagon.

Brazil vs Netherlands 2010 – Netherlands Upsets Brazil 2-1

In one of the biggest upsets so far this year in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Brazil went down in flames today by being eliminated by the Netherlands 2-1 on Friday.

Brazil took and early lead and all looked as expected coming out of the first half. But then in the second half, the Netherlands scored twice in shocking goals that shook the World Cup.

The Netherlands has not beaten Brazil in the world cup since all the back in 1974 – so needless to say, this upset sent shock waves throughout the soccer world.

From the Wall Street Journal,

Thousands of Brazilian fans are streaming away from a huge TV screen in downtown Sao Paulo. A carpet of yellow and green streamers litters the ground. They are in shock.

“Maybe we didn’t play typical, creative Brazilian football,” says office worker Felipe Soares.

“Better luck in 2014,” says government worker Rita Rocchiccioli. That’s the year the World Cup will be played in Brazil.

“The game was a big comedown from Brazil versus Chile,” says computer technician Wlamir Cruz. “Brazil’s second half play today was terrible.”

Soon, street sweepers will clear the streets of tin cans, food scraps and litter and Latin America’s biggest city will get back to business as usual.

Will The Netherlands Finally Win A World Cup

There is really only one problem with the fact that the Netherlands beat Brazil, and that is winning the 2010 World Cup.

It’s great that the Netherlands won, but now they need to step up to the plate and continue on with their success to bring home what matter most – a Wold Cup victory.

Otherwise, what does this victory really mean?

Growing up, I remember watching the Braves in the ’70’s and ’80’s on TV station WTBS Atlanta.  Fortunately as a kid, I was more interested in baseball cards and individual players than game stats and Braves wins.  I remember, however, catching Braves fever at the Blue Moon Saloon Piano Bar in Augusta, GA, watching all seven games of the 1992 National League Championship Series between the Braves and the Pittsburg Pirates.  Who could forget pinch-hitter Francisco Cabrera’s two outs, bases loaded, Pirates leading the Braves 2-1, bottom of the nineth game-winning single to left field, bringing in David Justice to tie the game and slow-footed Sid Bream’s slide into homeplate to beat Barry Bond’s throw to the plate for the winning run?

The silence was deafening as all in the bar quietly questioned Cox’s last-minute genius, and Lady Luck’s blessing of placing Cabrera in the batter’s box, the silence shattered only by the crack of a big bat and an eruption of cheers – and the rest is history.

In my humble opinion, there’s nothing like the sweet taste of victory to drive a man to continue the pursuit of excellence in his future endeavors.  Herein lies the bond set between Cox and Pendleton.

Although Terry Pendleton may be the fan favorite to lead the Braves, there’s another great coach that just became available for the position.  The  Marlin’s just fired Fredi Gonzalez.  Sports Editor Rob Rains of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, wrote an excellent article Inside Baseball: Pendleton’s managerial hopes drop a notch on June 24, 2010, comparing and contrasting Gonzalez vs. Pendleton, and makes an excellent case Pendleton may have slightly lost his edge as a shoe-in to manage the Atlanta Braves.