Bluesy's Blues (Cardiff City, Wales & more)

DEVO had a mighty successful homecoming last night playing their first Akron show for 30 years as a one-off DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE gig in aid of Barack Obama's PresIdential bid.

A couple of reviews follows but, first, some YouTube clips I have found.

JERRY CASALE introduces JOCKO HOMO taking the rip out of Sarah Palin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_QUgfwmDPQ

CHRISSIE HYNDE, DEVO AND BLACK KEYS JAM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gRh9DWHMAE&feature=related

THAT'S GOOD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPvgrjWA-R4

SATISFACTION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxY7xjgs-JM&feature=related

WHIP IT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owOvPNGxywY&feature=related

UNCONTROLLABLE URGE (with an uncontrollable stage invader)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZoH7mLoVRE

JOCKO HOMO (in 2 parts)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlzKhiXJkEA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0bp8Xkwapw

FREEDOM of CHOICE (with adapted 'Obama '08' chant)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-jjvroRr8M

REVIEWS

Re: Devo and the Black Keys Akron civic theatreLast night was maybe my favorite BK show ever. Some of it had to do with Dan and Pat, some with the theater, some with the other players, some that it was for Obama, some because of great old friends, but it all had to do with it being ...
DEVO Plays Akron's Civic Theater For ObamaBy Kyle Kutuchief I had no clue what to expect from Devo. They were really good and so energetic. They jumped all over, had coordinated costume changes, and sounded great. It was clear they were happy to be playing in their home town. ...
Devo Rocks Akron!By Erik Last night I went to the Civic Theater in Akron to see The Black Keys, Chrissie Hynde, and Devo. Yes, that’s right, I said DEVO. All three of these musical talents are from Akron or the surrounding area. For those of you who may not ...
The Black Keys, Chrissy Hynde, and Devo For ObamaBy Kyle(Kyle)

Friday, October 17, 2008

TONIGHT'S CARDIFF CITY PHONE IN

Download or listen to tonight's show previewing tomorrow's encounter vs Charlton Athletic and featuring a call from myself in the 2nd half of the show via the link below. Enjoy!

http://www.mediafire.com/?bmwzjgugnha

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS videos from Tuesday night in Cardiff

Found these great little videos on You Tube which those of us who were there will enjoy as well as those who got a hankering for SLF.

Excellent stuff

TIN SOLIERS
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fHRSw22VXCE

ALTERNATIVE ULSTER
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cDyvyjIDShE

DOESN'T MAKE IT ALRIGHT
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3BwT9hOJ4

CARDIFF CITY vs CHARLTON ATHLETIC weekend preview

A fortnight's break for international action which, due to various injuries and non-selections, turned into a rest for most Cardiff City players. Instead of half a dozen or more absent with their countries at times like these, only utility player Miguel Comminges and youngsters Tom Heaton, Darcy Blake and Jon Brown with Wales and England Under-21's were away.

It has enabled City to treat a couple of walking wounded such as McNaughton, Rae, McPhail and Kennedy while Tony Capaldi and Riccy Scimeca are back in full-time training after lengthy absences, Capaldi having managed just 10 minutes all season so far. The downside is Joe Ledley remains injured from his hamstring tear at Blackpool a fortnight ago and is predicted to be absent for at least another week meaning upto 3 City games missed as a minimum as Cardiff gear to visiting Watford and Nottingham Forest after tomorrow's visit of Charlton Athletic.

Poor losses and terrible performances home and away to Charlton last season (3-0 and 2-0 defeats) put Dave Jones under immense pressure but the storm was weathered and you'd hope City will be looking for revenge and to show they are pushing on after an unconvincing start to this season in which they've only lost once in 10 Championship games and lie 7th but lack a scoring touch and haven't really overpowered anyone to date.

I suspect City's side selects itself and will be Heaton, McNaughton-Purse-Johnson-Kennedy, Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Parry, Bothroyd-MacCormack and alternative options and challengers for starting berths are far too sparse.

If City have failed to set the world alight, Charlton are relative strugglers. In 14th place and devoid of any consistency. They've won 3 and lost 2 at home while 5 awaydays have been tight with just 6 goals but they've had 3 defeats and a single victory. Off-field, they have a current distraction with possible new Dubai owners expressing keen interest but that deal's not done so focus tomorrow will be on under pressure boss Alan Pardew and his under-performing squad. Only Far East defender Zhi is absent so they have a full squad to select from.

The likely Charlton Athletic side playing 4-5-1 will be: Weaver; Semedo-Hudson-Primus-Youga; Sam-Ambrose-Bailey-Holland-Bouazza; Varney. .

Goals seem to be at a premium for both sides so it's hard to see past a 1-0 score either way or a 0-0, 1-1 draw. I feel City have enough in them to make sure they nick it.

CARDIFF CITY vs CHARLTON ATHLETIC weekend preview

Poor losses and terrible performances home and away to Charlton last season (3-0 and 2-0 defeats) put Dave Jones under immense pressure but the storm was weathered and you'd hope City will be looking for revenge and to show they are pushing on after an unconvincing start to this season in which they've only lost once in 10 Championship games and lie 7th but lack a scoring touch and haven't really overpowered anyone to date.

I suspect City's side selects itself and will be Heaton, McNaughton-Purse-Johnson-Kennedy, Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Parry, Bothroyd-MacCormack and alternative options and challengers for starting berths are far too sparse.

If City have failed to set the world alight, Charlton are relative strugglers. In 14th place and devoid of any consistency. They've won 3 and lost 2 at home while 5 awaydays have been tight with just 6 goals but they've had 3 defeats and a single victory. Off-field, they have a current distraction with possible new Dubai owners expressing keen interest but that deal's not done so focus tomorrow will be on under pressure boss Alan Pardew and his under-performing squad. Only Far East defender Zhi is absent so they have a full squad to select from.

The likely Charlton Athletic side playing 4-5-1 will be: Weaver; Semedo-Hudson-Primus-Youga; Sam-Ambrose-Bailey-Holland-Bouazza; Varney. .

Goals seem to be at a premium for both sides so it's hard to see past a 1-0 score either way or a 0-0, 1-1 draw. I feel City have enough in them to make sure they nick it.

RICK ON THE ROOF is now RICK OFF THE ROOF

I wonder if the photo I took of Rick last Sunday (see last week in this blog) was the last taken of him up there?

Seems that on Monday night, two men in balaclavs allegedly forced him down and then gave him a beating severe enough to hopsitalise him. Those two men have been bailed. Howver, now down, the police could take actiomn against Ricky as he's been bailed too and ordered to stay out of Barry.

It seems strange seeing the house with all its protest banners removed and the builders wasted no time moving in to repair/decorate it. The house was sold to Irish property developers a year ago.

Got a funny feeling we haven't heard the last of this yet. What odds Ricky does re-appear at an opportune moment - can't imagine him giving up just like that.

THIS REPORT IN BARRY & DISTRICT

'Rick on the Roof' in court
7:30am Thursday 16th October 2008
Comments (0) Have your say »
By Sharon Harris »
BARRY rooftop protester Ricky Canty appeared at Barry Magistrates Court yesterday (Wednesday) charged with criminal damage - after he was allegedly forcibly removed from the Raldan Close house.
The 59-year-old was, it is claimed, pushed through a hole in the roof by two balaclava-wearing thugs.
It is alleged he was beaten and tied up on Monday evening before police were called to the scene.
Paramedics took Mr Canty out of the property on a stretcher and gave him oxygen before an ambulance took him, escorted by police, to the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.
He was discharged from hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning - when police arrested him and took him to Barry police station before pressing charges of criminal damage.
Two men, both aged 56, who were arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and assault, have been released on unconditional bail pending further inquiries.
Mr Canty's sister, Penny Richards, said she had last seen him at the University Hospital of Wales, but had not seen him since his arrest - and was worried for her brother's health and safety.
"He looked dreadful," she said.
"He had a boxer's face.
"The right side of his face was swollen and he had rope burns all up his arms.
"He's got stitches in his hand - he looks like the elephant man."
Mr Canty has been living on the roof of the Raldan Close house for more than two years, following a dispute over ownership.
Mr Canty was released on conditional bail and is due to appear before Barry magistrates on November 26.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

A CARDIFF CITY 7 GOAL CELEBRATION 7 YEARS AGO TONIGHT (& Gavin Gordon's finest (only) hour)

CITY WALK OFF AFTER HAMMERING RUSHDEN

WE CELEBRATE OUR 7 GOAL GREATNESS

Been sorting a few old pics and just came across one of a few us celebrating a mighty 7-1 clobbering of Rushden & Diamonds in the League Cup Southern Section 1st Round 7 years agao tonight. (as above)

It was quite surreal, most surreal being Gavin Gordon scoring 5 of them.What a crazy signing he was. £550k completely wasted on him, rumour had it we only bought him because he impressed playing against us for Lincoln in one game.

How we laughed when the transfer almost collapsed because Sam Hammam banned him playing for Jamaica and made him pledge his future to England - he wasn't even good enough to play for City.

He's only scored 4 goals in 3 yrs after leaving us with Notts Co and Oxford and is now in the lower bowels of non-league football.And you thought Eddie Johnson was our worst signing eh?

The crowd that night was just 2.052 - but I bet everyone claims there were there anyway!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

World Cup Game 4: GERMANY 1 WALES 0

Just like last month in Russia, Wales full side were gallant and did us proud but yet again have nothing to show for it as they fell to a late defeat. This time, Trochowski's wonderful 72nd minute strike gave Germany a 1-0 victory in Monchengladbach. In truth, it was no more than they deserved but Wales made it hard.

After John Toshack went gung-ho with 4-4-2 vs Liechtenstein last weekend(!), he returned to his routine 4-5-1 tonight playing Craig Bellamy as the sole striker and making James Collins a third central defender with Ashley Williams and Craig Morgan.

1,500 Welsh fans made a fantastic noise and they, like the rest of us, were wondering if we could produce a shock result as it was 0-0 at the interval with Wales managing only one shot which Bellamy pushed wide and the Germans giving Hennessey just one save. The opening 20 minutes saw the sides test each other before the Germans starting pushing on but they were restricted to long range shots, a couple of which were magnificently blocked by James Collins.

The second period started end to end like a Cup tie with Wales having slightly the better of it but the Germans seemed to step up a gear and although they were mainly restricted to efforts outside the box, there were so many and they have quality hitters, that you felt it would be a matter of time before they scored. Collins blocked, Hennessey saved, shots grazed the bar or went inches wide before Trochowski turned David Edwards inside out and fizzed an effort across Hennessey. Not long after, it was almost two-nil and game over but Ballack's free-kick struck a post.

Wales made changes and came close when Bellamy brilliantly beat Lahm and cut across the area but his ball was between Ched Evamns and Gunter and by the time Gunts took responsibility, he was closed down and blocked.

The Germans now look to be cruising their way to World Cup qualification with Wales locked in a three way race with Russia and Finland for 2nd and the runners-up spot even though we are not halfway through the qualifiers. The Russians are probably favourites but next test for Wales is Finland in the New Year.

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at The Point, Cardiff Bay

Revisited my punk youth tonight watching Stiff Little Fingers for the umpteenth time but the first time for 3 years or so as they played The Point at Cardiff Bay before a full house.

Little did I think was I first saw them as a kid in 1978 that I'd still be watching and enjoying them today but they are as loud, raucous, hot, sweaty and powerful as ever as their tunes stand the test of time. Even when you haven't heard them for a while, their anthemic songs are immediately identifiable and you know all the words in an instant.

Few of their big hits and most well known tunes were missed in an 80 minute set. Good to see some of the old faces including Spike and Slim, The Llantwit Boys, some Ponty lads and more than a few Cardiff City faces.

Brilliant stuff, great night.

Click the link to view a couple of pics taken.

081014 Stiff Little Fingers in Cardiff

If link doesn't work, copy/paste the following into your browser:

http://s337.photobucket.com/albums/n379/NigelBlues/081014%20Stiff%20Little%20Fingers%20in%20Cardiff/?albumview=link

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

CARDIFF CITY FRY-ed

Perterborough Director of Football BARRY FRY has poured cold water on his club selling star striker Craig Mackail-Smith to Cardiff City or anyone else in the near future along with his other stars. City have been linked after boss Dave Jones was spoted watching Posh win at Walsall last weekend.

It's a standard football reaction whenever a player is specualted in the press - show me the manager or owner who outright says that they want to sell - but Cardiff are surely planning ahead to new arrivals and possible departures in Janaury and, you'd hope, they're want to strike fast and early.

I MEET BARRY FRY IN 2002

(It Made His Day!)

Back to MacKail-Smith and Fry told Sky Sports last night that, "We are trying to build a team here capable of winning promotion and Craig is part of that, so we won't be looking to sell him any time in the near future. We had a bid of a million pounds offered to us a year ago for him, which we turned down flat, and we are not interested in selling our best players. The board have backed the manager all the way and have proven, by rejecting big offers for both Mackail-Smith and Aaron McLean, that they have the backbone to keep our stars here."

Wonder where he'll go in January then?!?!?

DEVO SUPPORT OBAMA GIG POSTER

Here's the poster heralding DEVO's return to their native Akron, Ohio this Thursday for a gig in support of Barack Obama's Presidential bid. Support comes from The Black Keys. Promises to be one special night.

Monday, October 13, 2008

TONIGHT'S CARDIFF CITY PHONE-IN SHOW

Click the below link to hear or download tonight's GTFM Cardiff City phone-in show talking all things Bluebird-related but, of course, Wales as well with internationals taking place. The show also features goalkeeping guests George Wood and Big Neville Southall.

http://www.mediafire.com/?nnjmwfj1ygz

.

EX-CARDIFF LOAN MAN IN MORE TROUBLE

KERREA GILBERT, a temporary loan star at Cardiff City, has hit another career low with confirmation that he faces trial next January following an charge of being drunk and disorderly after police were called to an incident on September 24th, less than 2 days before a game.

Two seasons ago, Gilbert shone for Cardiff City while they were runaway Championship leaders while on loan from Arsenal but City's rapid fall coincided with his own after he went AWOL on the club midst rumours of personal problems. He returned and saw the season out but never looked the same player.

Last season, he was loaned last season to Southend United but fell into more problems with the club management after refusing to play in a reserve game and he subsequently managed just 5 starts in a 5 month loan before returning to the Gunners in January.

Overlooked in North London, the 21 yr old is now on loan at current League One joint leaders Leicester City where he is shown signs of turning things around having started 12 times this season.

MacKAIL-SMITH IS LATEST PLAYER LINKED TO CARDIFF CITY

As the Chopra move (if there ever was one) goes to bed, Cardiff City find themselves linked to a new striker in the shape of Peterborough United's 24 year old goal getter Craig MacKail-Smith.

This morning's Daily Mirror speculated on City's interest and it has since emerged that Dave Jones watched Posh in action at Walsall last weekend. Peterborough won, MacKail-Smith platyed well but failed to net although he is already on 8 for this season.

A non-league discovery at Dagenham & Redbrode, MacKail-Smith has shone at the London Road club since his move there in January 2007. His goalscoring ratio there is outrageous, 28 league goals in 57 starts + 4 sub appearences and you can add 6 goals in 5 cup matches to that tally too.

Speculation and interest is fine but can City be hopeful? There seems little doubt other clubs will fancy taking a punt on him too, rumoured to be leading the way are Birmingham City and with Posh Director of Football Barry Fry having a long-standing relationship with that club and its hierarchy, it must be Cardiff at a disadvantage before any other factors are taken into account.

MacKail-Smith is also contracted to 2012 which means it may well take a big fee to secure him ... on the face of it, beyond what Cardiff like to pay but who's to say we won't move players out for big money in January too eh? It is the norm after all.

CHOPRA - A door closes that just wasn't open

Chops Has The Claps

(as if he hasn't enough personal problems!)

If anyone gave it thought, they - like this blog last week - never really thought Cardiff City had a chance of getting Michael Chopra back to the club on loan.

The weekend's Sunderland Echo put any fleeting thoughts to rest and included a telling quote by Black Cats boss Roy Keane, "Nice try, but Michael isn't leaving.". However it is a quote which suggests someone, probably Cardiff City from private whispers that came my way, did indeed make an approach.

Quinn rubbishes Chopra loan talk - Sunderland Echo

Sunday, October 12, 2008

SUNNY SUNDAY SIGHTS in BARRY

An O.A.P. somehow managed to flip his car

and land on the pavement on a straight road

Good Work Fella!

Just 50 yards away, Rick watches on

Now in his 3rd Great Year of Living on his Roof!

CONFESSIONS of a CHRISTIAN

There's a powerful article in today's Wales on Sunday by ex-Cardiff City starlet Christian Roberts and his battles with alcoholism.

Got to admit I'm partial to a 'good session' on the ales at times and there have been periods in my life when I drank too much alcohol but every time I read an alcoholic's story, it makes me realise I was pretty normal and healthy by comparison.

Soccer ace Christian’s alcohol lesson
WalesOnline

.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

WALES 2 LIECHTENSTEIN 0 in pics (and behind the scenes)

My stepson and his team-mates won a couple of summer football tournaments sponsored by McDonald's and, as they also sponsor Wales, the lads also won the right to escort out one of the sides.

A toss of the coin meant they led out Liechtenstein but they thoroughly enjoyed and the adults got a peek in the stadium on matchday too as you'll see.

081011 World Cup Wales 2 Liechtenstein 0

If above link doesn't work, copy/paste the below into your browser.
http://s337.photobucket.com/albums/n379/NigelBlues/081011%20World%20Cup%20Wales%202%20Liechtenstein%200/?albumview=link

WORLD CUP GAME 3: WALES 2 LEICHENSTEIN 0

As I walked away from Millennium Stadium, my only feeling was "at least it's a win" - a now familiar feeling after watching Cardiff City win in unconvincing but untroubled style as well. 2-0 it was with young guns David Edwards putting the Red Dragon ahead just before half-time and Ched Evans sealing it very late on with a fortuitous deflected header (but I've a feeling that'll eventually been awarded as an own goal).

In between, a few missed chances, a couple of saves and Wales missing their third penalty in successive World Cup qualifiers but a performance that was patchy throughout. Hopefully, they're saving themselves for the hugely demanding trip to Germany in midweek - they'll need to play infinitely better just to have a chance in that one.

I'm sure we'll hear another cliche rolled out over the next couple of days too - you know the one, "there are no easy games in international football". But oh yes there are and Lichtenstein are one of them.

The European tax haven (wonder how much they've been credit crunched?) whose leading player is with Darlington (yes Darlington) opened their World Cup campaign with a 0-6 home thrashing by those Germans. Their end of season games before the summer saw them beaten 7-1 by Malta and 3-0 by The Swiss although they held Azerbaijan 0-0 away in the last World Cup qualifier.

My stepson, after winning a summer junior football tournament with McDonald's who are one of Wales sponsors, got to escort one of the sides onto the pitch with his team - it happened to be Liechtenstein. However it meant I was in the ground three hours before it's 5:30pm kick-off and 2 hours before the gates opened for the lost 12,500 crowd in this arena. Had an interesting behind the scenes tour though but it meant I was still sitting around the ground for over 2 hours before it started but at least I got to meet and chat with Bryn Terfel who magnificently sang the Welsh national anthem and enjoy the incredible weather. Mid-October and 70 degrees, lovely. Also sneaked out for half hour to get a pint - a far better alternative to MillStad's range of food and drink prices with no alcohol anywhere).

The game in not one to live in the memory and I've forgotten most of it anyway, it was that dull. Liechtenstein had first shot but Wales, through captain Craig Bellamy returning for his first national game in a year following more injuries, came closest in 3 minutes, his effort being turned onto the bart by the visiting keeper. Any thoughts this lively start would make for entertainment soon evaporated as the first period was tedium, Wales having all the possession but unable to create at all - I told you it was like Cardiff City!

There were a couple of range shots but none worthy of particular mention while Liechenstein did venture forward and briefly threaten a couple of times. Most animated was Welsh boss John Toshack doing his nut with aspects of the play an it seemed to be heading for a shock 0-0 half time scoreline until 3 minutes before the interval, Gunter got Digger Davies behind the defence, he cut back and DAVID EDWARDS turned home off the near post. Hoorah!

A minute later Craig Bellamy should have doubled the lead but he fired straight at the keeper but worse came when he had a penalty on half-time and hit that weakly and straight too.

Had Wales been 2 or 3 ahead at the interval, as they should have been, then the visitors would surely have crumbled but 1-0 always gave them something to keep fighting for but although they never was on the receiving end of one way trafiic to their goal and never looked look levelling, they weren't caving either. Wales brought on Ched Evans for Vokes and he was lively, Simon Davies dazzled but few others shone. Again Wales were restricted to long range efforts mainly, a definite penalty was waved aside (the ref not wanting to give us 2 in a game I'm sure) and Bellamy (who doesn't look fully fit yet) made the keeper produce a fine save but they was all they showed until a corner on 83, CHED EVANS headed down and it caught Frick sending the ball in the opposite direction past the helpless keeper.

Ah well, at least it was a win.

*The 2nd goal was announced to Ched Evans but subsequently confirmed as a Frick o.g.

Friday, October 10, 2008

TONIGHT'S CARDIFF CITY PHONE-IN SHOW

A link below to hear the latest phone-in discussing Cardiff City and looking ahead to the weekend's key Wales fixtures which also features ex-City men Jeff Hemmerman and Chris Barker.

http://www.mediafire.com/?dl3nvmhexnd

Thursday, October 09, 2008

CHOPRA LINKED AGAIN?

Chops - scoring for Cardiff against Sunderland

It's the name that won't go away and there has been wild rumours since last weekend that Dave Jones is once again asking after Michael Chopra on a loan package. It is a story that has also been hinted by a couple of fans citing various connections for the past few weeks.

Michael Chopra has largely been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent times. A troublesome summer marriage to the his childhood which saw them go their separate ways on honeymoon, police visits to their home and then Chops was admitted to The Sporting Chance clinic for gambling and other problems.

His absence has seen his season confined to just 3 substitute Premiership appearences totalling 57 minutes so far this season but he was a hero in one of them scoring two very late goals to see the Black Cats overcome local rivals Middlesbrough.

Maybe Chops feels time back at Cardiff where he would get first team football and a change of scenery will be beneficial to him on all fronts but maybe it's just more unfounded gossip. However he's very much part of the Sunderland matchday squad so it seems unlikely. Only thing I do know is that Michael Chopra in Bluebird colours could transform this side and really help us push on.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

TONIGHT's CARDIFF CITY PNE IN SHOW with GAVIN RAE

Listen to or download this evening's show featuring City midfield grafter GAVIN RAE as well as a call from myself via the below link.

Enjoy

http://www.mediafire.com/?miilmuc2n5z

.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

DEVO BACK IN OHI AFTER 30 YEARS TO SUPPORT OBAMA

If you saw DEVO in the U.K. last year, you'll know they're no fans of President Bush and his party which gave credence to the devolution philosophy ... it all seems chillingly real in their current global meltdown.

However their feelings are now cemented as the group have chosen to return to their native Akron, Ohio for the first time in 30 years to perform a benefit fundraiser in aid of Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

One article is reproduced below and are followed by news links from Ohio newspapers.

DEVO TO NATIVE OHIO: YOUR ‘DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE’ IS TO VOTE OBAMA!Influential Akron Band Will Return to its Hometown to Rally for ChangeAkron, Ohio (October 6, 2008)

In the final month of this historic presidential race, the band DEVO is making an urgent trip to its native hometown of Akron, Ohio, to rally for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

DEVO will perform its “Duty Now for the Future” concert at the Akron Civic Theatre at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2008. The four founding members of DEVO (two sets of brothers – Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerry Casale and Bob Casale) sprang from Akron in the 1970s at a time when the city was mired in a severe recession and dealing with the after-effects of a failed war.

The band channeled that frustration into such groundbreaking hits as “Gates of Steel,” “Whip It,” and “Freedom of Choice.” Its albums blend political lyrics and pop iconography with urgent guitars and groundbreaking electronics, the combination of which earned the band a place in music history and continues to influence countless musicians today.

At a time when the country is facing an economic crisis of historic proportions and soldiers are returning from service to bleak job prospects, DEVO is converging in Akron to channel its energies with a concert called “Duty Now for the Future.”

All proceeds will benefit the Summit County Democratic Party in its efforts to create a future filled with hope and responsibility by electing Barack Obama as President of the United States.Although the four band members now live in Los Angeles, DEVO maintains strong family ties to Northeastern Ohio, and feels that its energy could be best served by supporting Barack Obama in the members’ home state.

Mark Mothersbaugh, DEVO co-founder and frontman said:"Ohio is where we need to be. My wife Anita convinced me of this after we had attended yet another Obama event in California. It's great that we’re all for Obama, but sitting around in our BLUE bubble doesn't do anything for his chances in the battleground states. We all have a vested interest in what happens here – our families and friends who have been hurt of the nonsense of the past eight years. We hope to make an impact with this concert, and raise consciousness to what's happened in Ohio in the past – and what will happen again if people are not made aware of what their votes mean. Our country is currently struggling under the burden of the unrestrained greed and political blunders of the current administration. "

We need a presidential team that can pilot us out of this mess. I think that Barack Obama and Joe Biden are our only hope. That's why we are here."Adds Gerald V. Casale, Mothersbaugh’s co-writer and the band’s co-founder (Mothesbaugh and Casale met at Kent State): “DEVO's excited to be bringin' it all back home to our birthplace, Akron. This is the most important election in recent history, and most experts agree that Ohio is the key to winning it. Freedom of Choice is the title of our most successful record – it's what America is all about. We're honored to help raise money for the Summit County Democratic Party and awareness for Barack Obama's candidacy. By restoring democracy, he will make sure that Freed

1970s-80s band DEVO to reunite in Ohio for Obama

The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com, OH

Devo to make appearance in Akron in support of Obama

Akron Beacon Journal, OH

LEDLEY BLOW FOR CLUB AND COUNTRY

Joe Ledley has been diagnosed with a hamstring tear after being one of three Cardiff City men to limp out of the action in City's draw at Blackpool.

The injury has ruled Joe, who scored for Wales in Russia in their previous World Cup qualifier, absent for key Wales World Cup clashes with Lichenstein (in Cardiff this Saturday) and Germany (away next Wednesday). It is also certain to rule him absent from a City side who restart their Championship campaign at home to Charlton on October 18 and, most likely, a couple more outings aftewrads.

While a big blow to club and country, knowing Cardiff City, they will try to persevere fropm within their threadbare squad, most likely looking at Paul Parry filling the gap.

Peter Ridsdale is on record as saying Cardiff would look for a loan in the event of injury and/or if manager Dave Jones asked but I'll believe it when I see it and suspect they'll try to (excuse the pun) wing it and hope for the best.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

TO HEAT OR NOT TO HEAT? THAT IS THE QUESTION

Anyone else having the joy of debating when to switch the heating on?

As a bloke and man of the terraces (and, now stands), I'm tolerant of a bit of chill and even now, am quite happy about the house in shorts and t-shirts.

However, talk to the missus about the first chilly snap of the year and you'd think it was the middle of January. So the battle begins of when to have the heating on ... fire and central heating being sneakily switched on when I'm not looking and me sneakily putting it back off again.

But this time it's worse ... gas has gone up ridiculous amounts, there's a credit crunch and winter heating is tough reading at the bet of times ... now it's going to be worse.

It must be a battle taking place in many homes. Happy missus or empty wallet - that's what I call a no-win situation!

CARDIFF'S DRAW AT BLACKPOOL - How the press saw it

Bluebirds hit by late blow

WalesOnline

THERE was little joy to be had at Blackpool’s wind-tossed Pleasure Beach yesterday – and even less fun for Cardiff City

DAVE JONES admitted Cardiff City were their “own worst enemies ...

WalesOnline

On-loan Tangerines striker Alan Gow struck in the fifth minute of injury time to deprive the Bluebirds of three deserved points

Ledley doubt for Wales

WalesOnlineJ

oe Ledley is a serious doubt for Wales' World Cup qualifying matches next week after picking up a groin injury during Cardiff City's 1-1 draw

Late Gow strike denies Bluebirds

The Press Association
Substitute Alan Gow's injury-time thunderbolt was enough to salvage a 1-1 draw for Blackpool

Blackpool 1 v 1 Cardiff City

WalesOnline
City had gone ahead when Peter Whittingham picked out substitute Paul Parry

Shocking Seasiders Escape With Draw

Vitalfootball

Poor, lacklustre and devoid of all quality. Yes, my pre match meat and potato pie robbed me of a couple of quid, much in the same way The Seasiders robbed

Blackpool 1 Cardiff City 1 By The Editor

FansOnLine.net

Take a bow Alan Gow .. and take a leaf from his book every Blackpool player .. if you don't shoot, you don't score

Blackpool 1-1 Cardiff

Sportbox

Alan Gow celebrated his first moments of Championship football at Bloomfield Road with an equaliser with just 20 seconds of added time remaining

Late strike saves Blackpool

SkySports

Lst gasp joy for Blackpool against Cardiff

Blackpool Gazette

A LAST-gasp goal on his Bloomfield Road debut from on-loan Rangers midfielder Alan Gow secured a dramatic point for Blackpool

Blackpool 1-1 Cardiff City

BBC News

Alan Gow rescued a point for Blackpool with an equalising goal deep in injury time to deny visiting Cardiff. The Cardiff defence failed to close down

STING IN THE TAIL FOR JONES

Sportinglife.com
A bitterly disappointed Dave Jones admitted Blackpool's late equaliser was hard to take

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Championship game 10: BLACKPOOL 1 CARDIFF CITY 1

CARDIFF CITY were yet again forced to rue missed opportunities, dwell again on a defensive error and accept another draw - their 6th in 10 Championship games - as Blackpool grabbed an injury time equaliser in a 1-1 draw, after City appeared to have taken all points when Paul Parry gave them a deserved on 83 minutes.

However in a hugely congested division, it was enough to see City enter the play-off positions in 6th place as most sides below Cardiff drew or lost.

1,000 City fans made the trip to Blackpool hoping to see City provide the illuminations and get on a winning run following the midweek victory over Coventry. They were rewarded for their efforts by getting soaked facing the elements in an open section on a typical seaside Autumn windy, rainy day. That support was excellent given an unhealthy kick-off time of 12:30 on police advice (what was their problem?) but it affected the home side most as the attendance of 7,328 was over 1,000 down on their usual crowds.

City played the same eleven who started and finished the midweek home win over Coventry - no surprises there - so it was Heaton, McNaughton-Roger Johnson-Purse-Kennedy, Whittingham-McPhail-Rae-Ledley, Bothroyd-McCormack.

Blackpool were 2 points and 7 paces behind City pre-game but had a great week with a shock away win at Birmingham followed by a draw at QPR and fielded a fluid 4-3-3 system with Rachubka, Barker-Edwards-Evatt-Camara, Taylor-Fletcher -Southern-Vaughan, Kabba-Burgess-Hammill.

The opening half hour is best described as unremarkable but Cardiff showed their deficiencies and problems up front once more by then creating several chances but wasting them and, in fact, not even giving the Blackpool keeper a save to make. Joe Ledley (twice) and Jay Bothroyd fired over in front of goal while their better build up and midfield play carved other openings that weren't taken.

It also turned out to be the story of the second half with City now dominating play but they could not create the chances although Purse was just wide, Bothroyd was denied a penalty, McCormack fired over and shots were blocked.

City lost McNaughton for the 2nd half with Comminges replacing him then Joe Ledley with a groin strain but PAUL PARRY replaced him and sent us wild as he scored with his first touch with a sweeping end to end of the pitch move, finishing with a sweet placed low effort with 7 minutes to go.

In that move, Steve McPhail became the 3rd City player to go off injured giving Eddie Johnson late game time. These injuries created 5 minutes added time which City seemed to be playing otu with few problems until Tom Heaton kicked poorly in the last minute, Blackpool swept back to goal and the ball found sub ALAN GOW who, unchallenged, was allowed to bring the ball down and have a free hit on goal which he fired home. City players were visibly stunned but had only themselves to blame for not putting the game safely to bed.

Friday, October 03, 2008

EDDIE JOHNSON ADMITS TO STRUGGLING AT CARDIFF CITY

Based on his toothless, insipd displays so far, EDDIE JOHNSON would need to step up to adjust to Conference level football.

His admission that he's struggling is honest though and, with Cardiff City stuck with him for the season if he fails to improve, let's hope he gets there for everone's sake.

Tonight's Echo

Johnson: I’m working hard to adjust to this level

More Echo Info from the fans, mysef included, meeting Peter Ridsale in the Cardiff City Boardroom

In the second day of coverage in the South Wales Echo on the Wednesday afternoon meeting, coverage is given to some of Peter Ridsdale's thoughts shared which were incidental of the Q&A.

Peter Ridsdale answers fans' questions

Thursday, October 02, 2008

South Wales Echo reports Ridsdale meeting

Mark Bloom, who was present at yesterday's Cardiff City meeting between supporters and Peter Ridsdale, gives a prelude to what will be two days of coverage this weekend about the content of what was discussed (as was reported earlier in this blog).

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2008/10/02/ridsdale-faces-fans-91466-21949633/

TONIGHT'S CARDIFF CITY PHONE-IN

Download or listen to the latest show reviewing last night's win against Coventry and all matters Cardiff City related via the link below.

http://www.mediafire.com/?juhzqwzdotm

PETER RIDSDALE MEETS 10 FANS INCLUDING MYSELF TO ANSWER KEY CARDIFF CITY QUESTIONS

Yesterday afternoon, in the Cardiff City Boardroom, I was one of 10 supporters involved in a 2.5+ hour meeting with Peter Ridsdale and City's new Chief Operating Officer, Alan Flitcroft.

David Sugarman, aka The Lone Gunman from the CardiffCity.com messageboard has provided an edited version of all the questions asked and the answers given.

I can confirm it was lively and, at times, fierce with the debate surrounding some of those answers given particularly when it came to matters about club finance, the team and its manager and the new stadium. Ridsdale gave polished, politician's performance much as I expected, new C.O.O. Alan Flitcroft impressed and it was a reasonable session even if all the answers weren't always to our liking and, as a football fan first and foremost, it did disappoint that our players sales and F.A. Cup run did not produce more, or better, investment in the team than it has.

A group of ten supporters attended an informal meeting with club officials in the Ninian Park boardroom this afternoon. Present were City fans Annis Abraham Jnr, Wayne Anderson, Nigel Harris, Dave Hicks, Kevin Millward, Keith Morgan, Peter Morgan, Mike Morris, Sam Murphy and myself. Representing the club were Chairman Peter Ridsdale, Chief Operating Officer Alan Flitcroft and Media/Ticket Office Manager Julian Jenkins. South Wales Echo reporter Mark Bloom was also present.

In advance of the meeting I prepared a list of thirty questions, including many which had either been e-mailed to me or posted on this message board in recent days. The questions and the answers given during a meeting which lasted more than two and half hours were as follows:

1) In the Chairman’s circular to shareholders dated December 2006 he said the club proposed to raise approximately £6.5 million by means of a new share issue. How much did that share issue eventually raise and how was the money used?
Peter Ridsdale replied that the share issue raised a figure in the region of £6 million, which includes a further recent investment by Keith Harris’s company Seymour Pierce Ltd. £3 million of the money raised was used to fund the stadium build while the rest has been used to meet the club’s running costs over the last two years.

2) Are shares still available for purchase?
The Chairman said the sale of shares has been temporarily suspended and that club officials have been meeting as recently as today on this particular issue. He indicated that the board believe the value of existing shares in the club has risen considerably in recent times in line with the value of the new stadium project. He suggested that new shares should be available for purchase soon and will probably cost around two and a quarter times the value of the shares that were sold as a part of the last share issue.

3) People have been speculating that the recent appointment of Keith Harris as a non-executive director signals that the club is being primed for a sale. Is there any truth in that suggestion?
Peter Ridsdale answered that the club is set to benefit from Keith Harris’s involvement as a non-executive board member and an investor as the club doesn’t have to pay him any consultancy fees for the work he is doing. He said Cardiff City is effectively getting his services and his expertise for free. The Chairman said that Harris is currently looking to attract new investors to the club as opposed to new owners, although he didn’t rule out a future sale if he and the rest of the board felt the right sort of people had come in with a suitable offer.

4) What work will Alan Flitcroft be carrying out in his role as the club’s new Chief Operating Officer?
Alan Flitcroft talked a little about his background and said he will be working on a variety of different projects for the club. He explained he will be taking on areas of work that were previously the responsibility of former Finance Director Tony Brown, who left the club recently. He added that he will also be working on a number of issues regarding the new stadium project and the Langston loan notes, and said that he will be doing some of the work the Chairman has previously had to do. Peter Ridsdale said that Alan’s appointment brought a great deal more financial and marketing expertise to Ninian Park and that was essential in order for the club to maximise the business opportunities that are arising as a result of the forthcoming move to the new stadium.

5) Has the club been in negotiations with any new investors recently?
Peter Ridsdale said the club hasn’t been directly involved in any negotiations with new investors recently but he added that documents have been prepared in a bid to attract new investment. He underlined that Keith Harris is working on this area at the moment.

6) What is the latest state of play in the Langston saga? Has an out-of-court settlement been reached or is more court action likely?
Alan Flitcroft said that negotiations with Langston are ongoing. He revealed that the club expects to be able to make a positive announcement on this matter in the very near future.

7) The Chairman recently told the club’s AGM that he was in talks with Michael Isaac over an outstanding loan of £1.5 million, which is apparently due to be repaid to the former Vice-Chairman in December of this year. Were those talks successful or will the club be paying Mr Isaac in December as per the original agreement?
Peter Ridsdale said that amicable talks with Michael Isaac on this matter are on-going and are set to continue next week.

8) Does the club currently owe PMG any money? If so, how much is owed and how is that money going to be repaid?
The Chairman stated that the club owes PMG £9 million, which was provided by Paul Guy and Mike Hall’s company in order to make sure the stadium project went ahead. He added the company has provided a further £2.3 million of financial guarantees in relation to the House of Sport aspect of the development. He said PMG’s money is secured against future income from the Premier Club seating at the new stadium.

9) Why were the Cardiff Blues hierarchy involved in the recent topping-out ceremony at the new stadium? As they are supposed to be tenants and not co-owners, why were they present?
Peter Ridsdale said the Blues’ officials were invited to attend to the ceremony along with representatives of the local council merely out of courtesy as they will be playing at the stadium once it is up and running.

10) The figures involved in the Cardiff Blues’ rental agreement at the new stadium have never been made public. Is it possible to reveal approximately how much that deal is worth to the football per annum?
The Chairman said he was unable to reveal the exact figures involved in the Cardiff Blues rental agreement as the details of the contract are confidential.

11) It has been rumoured that the take-up on the Premier Club seating at the new stadium has so far been disappointing. Is there any truth in those rumours?
Alan Flitcroft said the number of Premier Club seats sold so far is close to what he would expect for a stadium that is still some months away from completion. However, he revealed commission agents Bastion are no longer in charge of sales and added that they have picked up quite dramatically recently following a revamp to the sales effort.

12) Is there any news regarding the naming rights at the new stadium?
Peter Ridsdale said there was no news to report.

13) Existing season ticket holders have been given previous assurances by the club that they will be able to obtain like-for-like seats at the new stadium. Have any plans been put in place to make sure that happens?
Julian Jenkins indicated that plans are currently being put in place in this regard and the details are likely to be revealed in January 2009.

14) The club’s Ambassadors were under the impression that they had been given an opportunity to choose this season’s kit via a vote on the official website. The most popular design was a replica of the one worn by the team in the mid to late-Seventies. However, when the new shirts finally appeared they looked absolutely nothing like the one chosen by the Ambassadors. How did that situation arise?
Peter Ridsdale said that Joma did design a kit option which was closer to the Seventies-style shirt, but the club’s management weren’t entirely happy with it so the current design was chosen instead. He added that the club is currently working with Joma on producing a shirt for next season which is likely to be closer to the one the Ambassadors chose.Julian Jenkins talked about the colour of the shirt and showed those present an original 1927 FA Cup final shirt which is in a case in the boardroom. He revealed that Joma had taken a swatch from that shirt to ensure the colour of the current shirt matched it, and having now seen the original shirt in close-up I can confirm the colours are almost identical.Alan Flitcroft gauged opinion about the possibility of the club having a white away shirt for next season. Some of those present were in favour while others were opposed. He indicated that the club will do some market research amongst the supporters before deciding on what colour next year’s away shirt will be.

15) The fees involved in the transfers of Chris Gunter to Spurs and Glenn Loovens to Celtic have never been confirmed. What were those fees?
Peter Ridsdale revealed that Gunter was sold to Spurs for an initial fee of £1 million with another £500,000 payable in future add-ons, while Loovens was sold to Celtic for a fee of £2.5 million, although £600,000 went straight to Feyenoord due to a sell-on clause.

16) How much did the club pay Wolves for striker Jay Bothroyd and how are the payments staged?
The Chairman said the fee for Bothroyd was £350,000, which will be paid in two annual instalments of £175,000 each. He also revealed that Gabor Gyepes had a clause in his contract at Northampton which allowed him to leave the club for a fee of £300,000 over three annual payments of £100,000, but Northampton accepted £200,000 from City in one lump sum instead.

17) When Glenn Loovens was sold to Celtic in mid-August, Peter Ridsdale stated on the club’s website that all of the money raised by the sale was going straight to the manager for team strengthening. Why has so little of it been spent since?
Peter Ridsdale said that some of the £1.9 million raised by the Loovens sale has been used to buy Gabor Gyepes from Northampton and to help fund Eddie Johnson’s wages as a part of his loan deal. He added that further money would have been made available to the manager if he had requested it and said that money will be available in January if the players the manager wants become available.

18) Was there a loan fee involved in bringing Eddie Johnson to the club from Fulham?
Peter Ridsdale said there was no loan fee involved. He explained that as opposed to pay a loan fee the club has agreed to pay all of Johnson’s wages while he is on loan here.

19) Rumours have circulated that the club is paying Johnson somewhere between £15,000 and £20,000 a week. Are those rumours accurate?
The Chairman refused to be drawn on the level of the player’s wages and said he wouldn’t talk about any players’ earnings in a meeting such as this one (I can confirm that he has never revealed the wages other players are on when asked similar questions in previous meetings).

20) Can Fulham recall Johnson, and can City send him back to Fulham at any point if Dave Jones wishes?
Peter Ridsdale said Fulham can recall Johnson in January, but that City cannot choose to send him back before the end of his season-long loan spell.

21) What was the truth behind the Alexei Smertin fiasco? It was reported that Dave Jones was in London for a work permit hearing and yet the player himself told the press that he never had any intention of joining the club, so what actually went on?
The Chairman said Fulham agreed to let Smertin join the club and his advisor indicated that he was willing to sign for Cardiff. The club made an application for a work permit, which was initially refused. He said he and Dave Jones travelled to London to attend an appeal against that decision but were told by his advisor shortly before the hearing that the player didn’t want to sign for the club.

22) Is it fair to say that Dave Jones banked on having Robbie Fowler in his squad for this season and Fowler’s decision to walk away left the manager’s summer plans in tatters?
Peter Ridsdale said that neither he nor Dave Jones had banked on Fowler staying at the club as such an outcome was never certain.

23) During the close-season, Dave Jones said he wanted to operate with four senior strikers this year. If that’s the case, why was Steve Thompson given away to Championship rivals Burnley on a free transfer, leaving only three strikers at the club?
The Chairman denied that club has only three senior strikers and said the manager regards Paul Parry as a player who can adequately fill the role of striker whenever required.

24) Has any money raised by player sales during the last two years been used to clear a percentage of the Langston loan notes debt?
Peter Ridsdale answered this question with an emphatic no.

25) Has any money raised by player sales during the last two years been used to fund the stadium project?
The Chairman said money raised by player sales has indeed been used to provide funding for various aspects of the stadium project such as legal fees and staffing, and added that legal fees of over £600,000 have also been paid out in relation to the Langston court case. He said it was necessary to take this money out of the sums earned by player sales.

26) It was recently announced in the press that the club has reached an out-of-court settlement with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink over his contract dispute. How much did that settlement cost Cardiff City?
Peter Ridsdale said he was unable to answer that question as the settlement was subject to a confidentiality clause.

27) Is there any likelihood of a loan signing before the emergency window shuts?
The Chairman said loan signings were only likely in the event of injuries to key players.

28) How does this season’s wage bill compare to last season’s?
Alan Flitcroft revealed that the wage bills for 2007/08 and 2008/09 are almost identical. Peter Ridsdale explained that while several of the club’s larger earners had moved on during the summer, a number of senior players had signed new contracts and some of those involved significant pay rises as the players concerned had been relatively lowly paid under the terms of their previous contracts but were now established and sought-after Championship performers. Kevin McNaughton and Roger Johnson were offered up as two examples of the players the Chairman was referring to.

29) Immediately following the final whistle at Wembley, Dave Jones told the press:
“We have done remarkably well to reach the FA Cup final and we must use this as a springboard to kick on. If we don’t push on from here, the people running this football club want shooting.”Do you think the club has moved on since that Wembley appearance or do you want shooting?
Peter Ridsdale said he believes the club has indeed moved on since Wembley and continues to on a daily basis. He pointed to the work on the stadium going so well, the fact that the training ground is nearing completion, the engagement of two new board members and a team on the field that he considers is better than last year’s.

30) What would the Chairman regard as a successful 2008/09 season for Cardiff City Football Club and what would he constitute as a failure?
Peter Ridsdale said relegation would be a failure, a mid-table finish would be acceptable but a disappointment, while a play-off place would be a success, although he added that he feels the club would be punching above its current weight if it was to secure a play-off spot given the size of some of the clubs City are competing with in the Championship and the finances they have at their disposal. The Chairman said that he will also regard finding a solution to the Langston saga and getting the new stadium finished as successes.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

JACK BANNED FOR SHOWING HIS FLARES

A well deserved ban for chucking retro clobber at Cardiff City fans!

Swans fan banned for throwing flare at bus

South Wales Evening Post

Cardiff City 2 Coventry City 1 - how the media saw it

Bothroyd on target as Bluebirds ride luck

WalesOnline

EASTWOOD DECISION BAFFLES SKY BLUES

Sportinglife.com, UK

Bluebirds seal controversial win

WalesOnline

FUMING CHRISIS STRUCK DUMB

Mirror.co.uk

CHRIS IS CROSS

Mirror.co.uk

JOYFUL JAY IS FLYING AGAIN

Mirror.co.uk

Cardiff 2 Coventry 1

Sportinglife.com, UK

Cardiff beat Coventry

FansFC.com, UK

Cardiff C 2 Coventry C 1

The Sun, UK

Cardiff 2-1 Coventry

Sportbox, UK

Wasteful Coventry hurt by their former striker Jay Bothroyd

Daily Mail, UK

Jones pleased with points

SkySports

Cardiff City 2 Coventry City 1 - in photos

My camera is not best suited to taking distance shots at night so the quality isn't good at all but they're here if you want a look. Don't say I didn't warn you though.

080930 Cardiff City 2 Coventry City 1

If above link doesn't work, copy/paste the following into your browser:
http://s337.photobucket.com/albums/n379/NigelBlues/080930%20Cardiff%20City%202%20Coventry%20City%201/?albumview=slideshow

THE PUBLIC REACT TO THE GLOBAL FINANCE CRISIS

This picture from Wall Street certainly sums up the feeling of many.