HHG: Stanley Cup Finals 2009

Considering the result of my last HHG, maybe I should structure my predictions better. Then this final comes along. I thought I already handled this last year.

Anyway this year's Stanley Cup Final is between the Penguins of Pittsburgh and the Red Wings of Detroit. Just like last year.  

The Head says: I don't actually think a lot has changed in either team. Marian Hossa switched sides, and Pittsburgh added some veterans in Bill Guerin, Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Fedotenko. Other than that, nothing of note has changed. Detroit is still the Central Division champion, and a top seed in the West. Pittsburgh struggled more, had a change of coach, but had a great run to reach the postseason and now the Finals. En route, I can't help but mention him, Sidney took the showdown against Alexander Ovechkin in his favour. 

Overall Detroit has been solid, while Pittsburgh had the more impressive performances. 

The Head says Detroit.

The Heart says: like last year, gotta go with my namesake. I still have no love for the Red Wings. They need to do a little more to accomplish that. Show me you're worthy of my sympathies. 

The Heart says Pittsburgh.

The Gut says: With little to no change in conditions opposed to last year, I'm inclined to feel the same as last year. Pittsburgh hasn't made such dramatic leaps and bounds, that it has scared the Red Wings. Detroit has not regressed. So, however it pains me to say it, Detroit wins it this year as well... gut feeling. 

It will be six games though.

HHG: Champions League Final 2009

Manchester United vs. FC Barcelona

The Heart says: Obviously Manchester United. Can't let go of your first love, can you...  I mean, Barca is a sympathetic team, but it's not like you cried when Koeman fired home one against Sampdoria, or when the Spaniards beat Arsenal. 

The Head says: This one's a little more difficult. Stars? Both teams have them in bunches. Leadership? Strong on both fronts. Tactics? It's the youth of Guardiola against the solid teachings of Sir Alex. It's about equal. Goal scoring? Again not too shabby on both fronts. Defending and goal keeping? I'm leaning to Man U, what with Vidic and Ferdinand and Van der Sar keeping their ends clean. Barcelona has been more spectacular throughout the season, but seems to be struggle when the going gets really tough.

The Gut says: Manchester United is poised to become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League trophy. I feel they will actually accomplish that. Otherwise what good does it do to have three Premiership teams in the final four, and not have one win it?

Something you want to tell me?

Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster DVD

Sold for EUR 6.66

Is this a sign?

(That I should get a twitter account, because blogging doesn't cut it here...)

Feelings. Women. Deal.

You can't tell people how to feel, outside of hypnosis. You cannot say to a girl who got mugged not to be scared. You cannot tell a lady who broke up her relationship not to feel heartbroken. And you certainly cannot tell a woman who has just found a long lost friend, not to feel emotional.

Mistaken identities

It looks like nowadays we are more keen to get our message out, regardless of the facts. If that means we put the wrong man on trial, show an innocent person on television, so be it. We already made normal, indistinctive men potential killers of the royal family, robbers of ATMs and thieves. 

Why is this? Are we getting more restless? Impatient? Are we so used to getting our way quickly and efficiently that we forget to do even rudimentary fact-checking? This is exactly why people go to college and university: you learn that everything you state is augmented by arguments and references. And those references cannot simply be Wikipedia, but good, thorough research.

If we don't do this, we are left at the mercy of the media. You could be mistaken for the next enemy of the state. Your face could suddenly appear on television because someone who looks like you did something quite embarrassing, like tossing chairs off an overpass or shooting up a school. And probably it will not stop there. Next time it is you.