Our first public page for 1to1 Soccer was launched today, a landing page to capture emails and build a customer database. Please pass on our URL to anyone you can think of. We are very excited to have reached this point after many months of designing and production. We are working tirelessly to prepare the website for public launch…. watch this space !!!
In between work today, I was listening to the final GOP debate before the Iowa caucus in a little over 3 weeks. As a Politics major, I am fascinated in the presidential campaigns for 2008. It will be incredibly interesting to see how the entire process works out. A few months ago, I often complained that no candidate stood out, and how amazing it was that American politics always found it hard to uncover a leader with great charisma, intelligence, and leadership. We see people in all walks of life that appeal to us in all manner of ways, but in politics, we are often forced to choose between 2 uninspiring candidates. The 2004 election is a prime example of an election that created great disappointment. Who was better, Bush or Kerry?
Bill Clinton fits into the mold of an educated man with a personality that attracts people from all areas and all means. My opinion has now changed for 2008. We have many candidates who are reforming who they are, and how they represent themselves. No single candidate is number 1, but there are many who are number 2. Who is going to claw themselves to the top in each campaign?
For the Democrats, it has to be a fight between Clinton and Obama. They have great backing, both financially and politically. They appeal to very specific demographics, ethnicity and gender. Both candidates don’t play this card though, because it could isolate them and turn away other voters. Obama has a warmer demeanor but lacks experience. Clinton boasts the exact opposite. I like John Edwards, a fellow Tar Heel. My only fear is that he fits into the mold of a vice-presidential candidate. Any person with Edwards or Bill Richardson on their ticket would be a force to be reckoned with.
For the Republicans, Romney has a very strong presence. He speaks well, has a strong record in MA, and has an incredible support system. Giuliani is another strong leader from the North East, but his personal history and flip-flopping on issues such as immigration could hurt him. My pick is Mike Huckabee. I have always thought his ethics and morals are of the highest order, he speaks eloquently and with compassion. I don’t agree with him on some issues, but with he is someone we can trust. It will be very interesting to see how ardent Clinton supporters will turn if Obama wins the Democratic candidacy, and Huckabee wins the Republican candidacy. Remember Bill Clinton is from Arkansas, and a former Governor of his home state, as is Huckabee.
I certainly haven’t decided upon which candidate I agree with, and with whom I would lay my support. Since I am a permanent resident, i cannot vote. This therefore allows me to look at all the candidates from a somewhat neutral perspective, and engage a discussion on the issues and on the candidates without restricting my viewpoint…….
We are launching our landing page this week. We are incredibly excited about the service we are providing, and the feedback so far has been very positive. I will keep everybody posted on how we are progressing……
Liverpool play a very important game tonight in the Champions league against Marseille. With a win, Liverpool clinch a place in the final 16. Rafa Benitez, the coach of Liverpool, is under great pressure and rumors have already circulated that he will be replaced. Liverpool lost their first game of the league season this weekend, won the Champions League in 2005, and made the final in 2007. This is just one example of how incredibly difficult it is to be a top coach in the highest echelons of soccer. The media in England are tough to say the least, and any sense of failure is often blown out of all proportions. I hope Liverpool win, and the pressure on Benitez wains.
The exciting news in English soccer circles is who will take over the English national team hotseat. Fabio Capello is in line to take over after Jose Mourinho declined the opportunity. For a cost of $10 million per year, and only a handful of competitive games, Capello had better be worth the money.
My choice would be Jurgen Klinsmann…….
As I’m working at the computer, I’m listening to the MNF analysis about tonights game between the Patriots and the Ravens. Tom Brady is a great example of how one can be rewarded for perseverance, self-confidence, and dedication. He was drafted with the 199th pick of the 2000 NFL draft, with no-one giving him a chance to succeed. He thought differently, and has developed and grown into one of the best, if not the best quarterback to ever play the game. The Patriots are certainly the favorites this year. I always love an upset, but I am also an avid believer that the best team should win championships. Champions in the world of soccer are crowned at the end of the year to the team who has been the most successful throughout the course of the entire year. Playoffs provide an opportunity for just above average teams to progress forward and win a championship with a little skill and a lot of luck.
What is the best format?
Playoffs certainly are exciting, but does the best team always win?
As a founder of a brand new start up myself, I am always intrigued to read about people’s opinions and experiences with the Venture Capitalist world. This article is a good insight into the expectations of VC’s.
http://www.unionsquareventures.com/2007/11/why_early_stage.html
Throughout my life I have always been a listener. I always want to seek out information, ask questions, receive answers, absorb any material and any advice I can. But there are many people who are stubborn, close minded, and against any type of change. Flexibility is paramount. I like to think I know certain things, but there are many people who know more. Learning from the past, focusing on the present, and aligning yourself for the future will generate ongoing success.
Why not listen to people around you, tap into these resources, and enrich your base of knowledge and information?
