Mmm ....... Roland Martin seems quite comfortable in his ascot. Too comfortable.

Roland Martin, CNN's most vocal homophobic bigot gets all frothy and excited over the David Beckham undie ad that aired on Super Bowl. With friends like these, does Obama need any enemies?

He probably thought seeing the ad would turn half of America's menfolk gay.

People become match officials for many reasons. Illusions of grandeur; forget the fact their spouse abuses them by taking it out on players; uniform fetish; a love of thrusting out arms that came from watching Nurnberg rallies; chances of making more cash on the side; because they weren't good enough to play the game and still wanna be involved.

Photo: Paul Rudderow

Happy New Year from all of us at the Philly Soccer Page. The Union's first kick is only 70 days away.

Some New Year Tweets

Philadelphia Union: Happy New Year everyone! Thanks for a memorable 2011...see you in 2012! #DOOP

Philadelphia Independence: Have a safe and wonderful New Year Independence fans, WPS fans, Soccer fans!

United States Under-23 coach Caleb Porter has been a star here in the US at the collegiate level, and is now charged with the responsibilities of managing the US Olympic team. His goals are not only to qualify for the Olympics, but also to help develop a nucleus that will compete for the US in the 2014 World Cup.

So you guys must have heard the news by now. Well not news, but rather the rumors. Rio Ferdinand is going to Chicago! Not really, but it sure does make a sparkly headline doesn't it? Apparently the British media have been having a field day with regards to the transfer rumor. Regardless of whether it true or not (it's not) I just don't see where it makes sense.

Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

Union

Kevin Kinkead scouts DC United and says keep an eye on that Canadian fella, Dwayne "Famous Dancer" De Rosario. MLSsoccer.com's Talking Tactics column looks at the evolution of his offensive role throughout his career. Hurt him, Danny and Carlos, hurt him.

Fox news is reporting that Robbie Keane is leaving Tottenham to join the LA Galaxy!! The $8M move will require the Galaxy to transfer one of their 3 current DPs. I have it from a reliable source that our supposed angel who never fulfilled our wish will be shuffling off the Galaxy coil for our HDC neighbors.

Thanks to Demolition Man, a regular reader and sometime commentor at IMS, for creating and uploading this video of FOX News 9 anchor Tim Blotz telling soccer fans to stop contacting the FOX 9 studio requesting that the storm coverage stop preempting the UEFA Champions League game.

Thanks to Demolition Man, a regular reader and sometime commentor at IMS, for creating and uploading this video of FOX News 9 anchor Tim Blotz telling soccer fans to stop contacting the FOX 9 studio requesting that the storm coverage stop preempting the EUFA Champions League game.

A week prior to the UEFA Champions League Final, a storm system barreled through the Twin Cities area dropping numerous tornados, the worst of them hitting right through a densely populated are of North Minneapolis. The twister killed two and injured many others and did damage to homes for a several miles.

Since color analyst Sasha Victorine quit traveling to spend more time with his family, announcer Callum Williams has had to deal with rotating partners. First it was Brian Kilmeade from Fox news for the Red Bulls game. He is in New York, very comfortable on television and a big sports fan so he was a logical fill in for Sasha.

Whether its news, politics, entertainment or advertising, the British accent seems everywhere in American culture. There are many contemporary British accented characters making a heavy impact, including Piers Morgan of CNN, Stuart Varney of Fox News, Stewie of Family Guy, entertainer/host Ricky Gervais and the Geiko Gecko.

Birmingham, Alabama will be the hosts of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer College Cup, which is soccer's version of the Final Four.
There is a lot of enthusiasm generated in Birmingham, and below is a news report from Fox news in Birmingham/Hoover.
The love for watching or hosting sporting events is really paying off for the metro area's economy.

One anonymous bidder has snapped up the black 911 Convertible Turbo driven by David Beckham for the past two years, Fox News report. Bidding for the Porsche began at $100,000 and finished on $217,000 after 45 offers on eBay.
The price was $71,000 more than the L.A. Galaxy midfielder paid for the German supercar when he purchased it new from Beverly Hills Porsche.

Lots happening over the last week or so it's time for Project 2010 to help you catch up:

The big move to report is Jermaine Jones to Blackburn. The American midfielder has joined the club on loan for the duration for the season, although Blackburn are supposedly saying they'd like to make the loan deal permanent at the end of the season.

One thought that Wednesday was going to be a big day for the Tractor Boys because they were supposed to meet Arsenal in the Carling Cup semi-finals.

They'll be disappointed to know in their place it's going to be Liverpool as per The Sun. Stellar journalism as usual. When it comes to disinformation it does not get better than a Murdoch run operation.