Sunday, July 09, 2006

I Guess It's An American Thing

The World Cup coverage on ABC and ESPN has generally been panned by many people in the media. It generally hasn't been too bad. There are definitely things that could have been done differently, like limiting the excessive use of graphics during the matches.

I also found that some of the announcers seem to be found of saying"v" instead of "versus." Especially John Harkes, and during yesterday's Third Place game between Germany and Portugal. Over and over again, he kept saying "one 'v' one", instead of what normal people would say one "on" one, or one "against" one, or one "versus" one. I have noticed this increased use of "v" instead of "versus." I know it's probably a little thing, but more and more I hear it from political pundits in taking about the landmark abortion case, Roe VERSUS Wade. They seem to like to take the "easy" route and say "v." I find it annoying and very lazy. Heck, have you ever heard anyone say "The Red Sox 'v' the Yankees?" Of course not.

I've never heard an English football announcer use the "v" word, so I guess it's an American (soccer) thing.

Anyway, I like France to win the World Cup today, 1-0. It'll be a tough match, and I really hope the title isn't decided on penalty kicks. The French team reminds me of the 2004 Red Sox team, as they were about to eliminated in the opening round, found a way to win, and now they are just 90 minutes away from the championship.

I'll be watching today, along with about 2 billion other people. But I will also be keeping a sharp eye on the Red Sox and Curt Schilling going for the sweep in Chicago today, the final day before the All-Star break.

5 comments:

Michael Leggett said...

"V" is meant to be denigrating:

Despite the fact that Association FOOTBALL, started its' popularity in Soccer Leagues, thanks to The Cosmos, over 30 Years, let's face it Omnipotent Q, the Networks are geared towards the likes of "Pepsi Mc Bluelips" & other Millionaires, who play a Game, which may go on for 3 or more hours;

Soccer, thank goodness, does NOT play to American TV Timeouts;

The NASL Forerunner, the NPSL, in 1967, tried that & it didn't work;

BTW, the Precursor Franchises to the Cosmos were the NY Generals & The USA's NY Franchise & both were merged to become the Generals, in 1968, under the NASL;

The Generals suspended Operations in 1970 & were reorganized as the NY Cosmos in 1971, playing 1st @ Hofstra University, then moved to Downing Stadium-Randalls Island, home to Light Towers, transplanted from Ebbets' Field;

They averaged better attendance than the Yankees & Mets in 1976 up to 1979;

In the '76-'79 Timeline, The Cosmos had better Average Attendance than Grant's Mets &, in some cases, the Yankees.

Michael Leggett said...

The USA(United Soccer Association)Team, in NY, was called the NY Skyliners.

Michael Leggett said...

& Zindane of France, is now known by me as "Monsieur Headbutt Mc Burgandylips";

I never knew that "Slappy"(Pepsi) had that kind of influence in the Sport World.

BklynSoxFan said...

Thanks Nancy. I'll do my best...

Michael Leggett said...

Then let's just keep "V" in legal circles alone, not in the athletic arena.