RATE IT! Vanity Fair Loves the World Cup

I am not alone!

See, even Vanity Fair magazine can't keep its excitement for the upcoming World Cup on the down low. 


For a magazine that typically sees itself as refined & full of journalistic worth (Lindsey Lohan cover shoots aside), am I the only one who was surprised to see the world's football elite showing their patriotic pride (and more) while stripped down to their skivvies on the VH June cover? 



I'm very surprised. Very pleased too that goes without saying, but surprised nonetheless. I may have to make the exception and actually purchase Vanity Fair for this issue.


Finally! A highly-publicized American magazine clued in to what the rest of the world has known for *ages*...no, not how fine Cristiano Ronaldo is in his pants -- BUT what a big deal the World Cup of football is. Bigger than the Super Bowl, the Olympics... every sporting event on the PLANET! Kudos to Vanity Fair. Shame Owen Hargreaves wasn't available to support Canada in this photo shoot. 


The 2010 World Cup begins June 11 and runs through to July 11 in South Africa. June 11 cannot arrive fast enough in this household. 

RATE IT! Hargreaves Meets the PM

Owen Hargreaves disappears to have a double knee surgery, missing the entire Manchester United season spare a few matches at season start. We haven't seen him for literally months. Missing person alerts are duly sent...

So, it was quite surprising to see him venture out in the daylight in front of photographers with....Stephen Harper, our Canadian Prime Minister. I guess Harper wanted something fun to do while in London for the G20 Summit. Hanging out with a fellow Canuck, why not?

Can't say that I blame him. Meeting Owen would be my first stop in the UK too.

RATE IT! Owen Hargreaves.... Finally!

Finally! After months waiting for news about his double knee surgeries, CNN has put up a story about Owen Hargreaves and Dr. Steadman, the Specialist that has (hopefully) saved his footie career (just skip through the golf stuff at the beginning). The story was shot about a month or so ago when Owen was still in Colorado. Now he's back with United in Manchester, working towards an August return!



Thanks Fourth for your help!

RATE IT! Jenga Final!

Nevermind the Champions League - this match up is the one that I've been waiting for!

Manchester United teammates, Owen Hargreaves and Jonny Evans in a Jenga showdown. Great sports, these two! Taken from United's 2009 DVD Annual.

RATE IT! Red Devil's Kitchen

You can keep your Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson! Heck, take back 'Hell's Kitchen' and Gordon Ramsey! The only cooking program I want to set eyes on is 'Red Devil's Kitchen'!

It's almost too hilarious to ponder! Manchester United have launched their own cooking show on their TV station, MUTV. 'Red Devil's Kitchen' features United's left-back, the very talented & charming Patrice Evra, along with the team's resident head chef, Romain Camos, roasting, baking, creating all sorts of edible delights!

Cannot wait! The clip on the website is cracking me up & leaving me hungry for more. 

*yes, I couldn't help myself and had to post a photo of Patrice with Owen Hargreaves*

RATE IT! Happy Birthday, Owen

Yes, I'm going to get all giddy and proclaim a very bubbly 'happy birthday' to my favourite football player on the planet, Mr. Owen Hargreaves. 

Manchester United's #4 -- currently recovering from a double knee operation in Colorado. Not the ideal way to mark your birthday but hey...if it means Owen will be back with the team in the UK...even just in training by season's end, then it's one wish I hope comes true when the birthday candles are blown out. 

RATE IT! Christmas Disco

Merry Christmas! Joy to the World - it's a Christmas disco. Back by popular demand are the Manchester United crew with a dance around the Christmas tree...okay, not really but it's still quite timely and FUN! Enjoy this video I crafted with the help of Jib Jab!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

RATE IT! United Christmas

It's Christmas Eve and the spirit of the holiday got me carried away with the 'Elf-Yourself' funzone courtesy of Jib Jab. I've made about 15 of these videos and am getting more silly as I go along! Here's one that I personally can't get enough of -- I've put various Manchester United footie players plus their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, in a ho-down chock full of Chrimbo hilarity. Wayne Rooney, doing a square dance? Who knew?

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

RATE IT! Giggsy & Owen Connect Four

Yes, I'm still in a funk because Owen Hargreaves is out for the count this season - but the timing of this video is just about perfect! 

Here's Owen playing his United team-mate (and legend!) Ryan Giggs in Connect Four. The snippet is from the upcoming Manchester United 2009 Annual DVD chock full of funny challenges & situations for our team. 

HATE IT! Owen's Season is Over

Sad afternoon. Owen Hargreaves, my favourite footie player, is officially done for the season, and will not be back in the Manchester United squad until next year.

Owen underwent surgery on his damaged right knee in Colorado yesterday, and United are reporting that his other knee will go under the knife in a few weeks time. BOTH knees? Who knew? What took so long to actually *do* something about his injury? Hopefully these ops are just the ticket to getting Owen back on the pitch to resume his stellar career. I don't even want to think of the alternative.

Such bad timing too; United could really use Owen in midfield. Trying to see the positives but just not there yet...

(photo: Manchester United)

HATE IT! Two Week EPL Disruption

Feel like you're missing something? I know that I am. We're in the midst of the latest two week 'international break' for the English Premiership. All the players have scattered, off to train & play for their home countries. This tier of 2010 World Cup qualifiers sees England at home vs. Kazakhstan on Saturday, with a trip to Belarus next Wednesday. 

Missing out this time around, Owen Hargreaves. Not for a lack of performance, rather a lack of fitness. Owen's injured knee has flared so he's off back home in Manchester and regrettably not in England's crisp white kit. Hopefully, he'll be back on form when the EPL resumes for United on Saturday, October 18. Miss you, Owen!

(Hargreaves photo: AP Photo) 

RATE IT! United in Champions League Action

Champions League footie action continues this afternoon with Manchester United taking on Aalborg in Denmark.

United are missing Owen Hargreaves and Gary Neville but with such a strong squad, they'll be more than fine. 

(Don't call this afternoon -- you'll only go to voicemail!).

(photo: Getty Images)

RATE IT! Owen Hargreaves Cover Boy - Pt. 2

It's not often that the Canadian soccer set can boast about some Canadian content on the world stage so it's a treat to see Calgary's Owen Hargreaves gracing the cover of Canuck footie magazine, Soccer 360.

Regular readers of my site know that we're an Owen Hargreaves friendly blog -- we don't have time for those misguided know-it-alls who like to have a go about Owen leaving Canada to play elsewhere. Any intelligent person realizes, you go where there's opportunity to prosper.

It's fitting that this Canadian publication addresses some of that banter in their interview with the Manchester United mid-fielder. Owen's life in Canada before he packed up and moved to Germany as a teen to join Bayern Munich's roster is not that well documented. For us fans, it's great to see the Calgary connection explored a little further -- granted a little *more* depth would have been even better! Ah, at least it's a start!

RATE IT! Owen Hargreaves Cover Boy

The weekend starts now! 

Yes, my United obsession is in full gear, so I'm already setting the stage for tomorrow's showdown between Manchester United and Bolton. I bet Berbatov (if he plays) will score his first for the team. I have faith.

And Owen Hargreaves is the cover star of United's match program. But of course, when *I* go to see a match live & in person, I'll get Nani on the cover (probably). About time Owen was front and centre.

Owen's Dad played with Bolton's youth team hence the 'local hero' angle to their article. Finally, he's being regarded as one of their own - a Brit*- took long enough!

*Owen has dual citizenship - Canadian by birth, British via his Father.

And for another cover shot of Owen, click here.

HATE IT! Owen Hargreaves Bio

Biographies are the most enjoyable books to read. Juicy, often fluffy and full of gossip and rarely known tidbits -- what's not to like?

Well, in the case of the recently released unauthorized bio of my favourite soccer player, Owen Hargreaves, it pains me to admit that the first *ever* bio on my man is a complete waste of precious time.

Owen has had an incredibly interesting life -- and for a 27 year old, that's saying something!! Born in Canada, moved to Germany on his own aged 16 to join the pro footie factory at Bayern Munich. He learned to speak German and eventually cracked the starting line-up at one of the most respected soccer organizations on the planet, and was invited to play internationally for Canada, Wales and England -- Owen chose England, the birthplace of his father. Just over a year ago, he made the leap to Manchester United, won the league and European Championships. So many achievements in less than ten years. 

Yet this book manages to make Owen's adventures sound boring and predictable. The writing is dry, occasionally factually incorrect and completely pulled from interviews that can be found elsewhere. Owen and seemingly, no one who actually knows him, was interviewed. And don't get me started on the photo section! 

If you're a fan, skip this book. Save your money and spend some time in Owen's official website and read articles there. You will learn much more about Hargreaves for free, and send a message to book publishers that fans won't buy such empty bios any more! It's too late to save my time & money, but hopefully I can save your's!

RATE IT! England World Cup Qualifiers

The crunch begins! The world's elite soccer teams are all in action this weekend for the first of the World Cup qualifiers. In two years' time, all nations (that earn a spot) will meet in South Africa for the next World Cup tourney. Don't get me started on Canada's chances...

England begins its road to the WC today vs. Andorra. Our team is in a bit of a shambles with many a regular off injured including {sigh} my guy, Owen Hargreaves (left) and Michael Owen (right). Wayne Rooney, pictured in the midst of the 'Owen' sandwich, is fit and should be playing. 

ENG-ER-LAND!!!! (photo: theFA.com)

RATE IT! My United Boys

Owen Hargreaves and team captain, Gary Neville, watching the squad play Juventus in a pre-season friendly.

No real reason to post -- do I need a reason for a gawk? Didn't think so. 

(photo: AFP/Getty Images)

RATE IT! EPL Countdown ~ It's Here

Good morning, English Premiership fans! The new season dawns! Bring it!

So much to look forward to...

~ a healthy Gary Neville in the United squad

~ (hopefully) a healthy Owen Hargreaves in the United squad!

~ Cristiano Ronaldo is still here (albeit healing from ankle surgery)

~ Avram Grant has left Stamford Bridge

~ 'The Special One' is back in European footie -- can't wait for those Championship League match-ups

~ Peter Crouch in Pompey. Finally...he gets to play!

~ Paul Ince as Manager of Blackburn. Finally...a Gaffer to give Roy Keane a run for the hottest Manager in the EPL title

All is right in the world now that soccer is back! United play Newcastle tomorrow. Can't wait!

RATE IT! EPL Countdown ~ 10 Days to Go!

Ah, you can keep your crappy fat baseball players and lunk-head American football stars - give me uber-fit English Premiership footie/soccer athletes *any* day!

Only 10 more days until the 2008/09 season is aloft and as I giddily admire the knock-kneed handsome-ness of Owen Hargreaves, I'm deliriously in a tizzy that my United boys will be back at it -- soonish. 

It's been a hard summer - with no England in the Euro, and the constant transfer rumours - the EPL cannot return soon enough and deposit us back into our happy place! 

(photo: AP Photo)

RATE IT! Ole's Testimonial

Today is the testimonial footie match for Manchester United's cherub-faced striker, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (pictured left, with United's Owen Hargreaves).

It was a sad day in United land when Ole had to call it a day on his career after never-ending knee problems. Ole is a class act and there was never a player as deserving of a testimonial than the 'Baby-faced Assassin.' Thanks, Ole!