Post by Scott on Oct 31, 2006 0:14:25 GMT
Welcome to the 6th edition of Republik of Mancunia: The Paper, the[glow=red,2,300]Halloween edition[/glow].
It’s been a great month for United, with thanks to wins against Newcastle, Wigan and Bolton, as well as wins in the cups against Copenhagen and Crewe, but the best moment of the month has to go to our battering of Liverpool, where the dippers team and support seemingly failed to show up. We were the final nail in their coffin. After failing to finish off Arsenal last month, we really needed that win.
Our first bit of exciting news concerns a new Staff appointment. Following the rapid increase of this forum, we felt it was time to share the responsibility of running the place with another member. We received many great applications, and thanks to all who applied. We encourage those members to re-apply next time there is a vacancy in the Staff Room, but we only have one space to fill currently. After a lot of debate, we decided on this member who has been around from day one, quite literally. He is well liked on the forum and is always willing to get stuck in to discussions. He also has the kindof maturity we were looking for. So, congratulations Red Yank. It’s at this point I’d like to give a mention to MUFCAdz, our most active member. He’s always thinking of new ideas for the forum, and helping with the running of the Match Day board. He’s ever willing to contribute to The Paper, and loves the club so much he can even see the good in Darren Fletcher! It is for this reason he has had his status as Forum Handy Man made official, as RoM.org’s Special Helper.
This month sees our first Signature of the Month competition, and the results of that will be found in this issue. We thank all the members who nominated, and encourage more to do so next month.
Also, any of you who read the Republik of Mancunia Blog will see that some Google ads have been placed on it. I’d like to encourage all members to give them a click whenever they can, to generate a bit of cash for the forum. I reiterate that I’m not here for making a profit for myself, but would like to get a bit of dosh together to be able to award member prizes for competitions (probably in the form of RoM merchandise). On that note, a reminder that the RoM shop is still alive and kicking, and has just gone under a redesign. You can find the link to it at the top of the forum, and again, I make no profit from the sales of these items. It would be great to show our United pride all over the world, from regular match day goers, to members all over the country, in North America, and from the various other countries we have members from.
If you feel like you have something to offer The Paper, whether it be Match/Player of the month reviews, an article, or anything else you feel could be of interest to our forum, don’t hesitate to give me a shout. Remember, when a member has contributed four times to The Paper they will be classed as an Official Contributor, with their own member group and button in the sig to prove it ;D So get in touch.
Now let us begin, getting in to the Halloween mood:
The Mummy's Tomb
Whack-a-ghoul
[glow=green,2,300]Why do demons and ghouls hang out together?[/glow]
[glow=green,2,300]Because demons are a ghouls best friend[/glow]
Member of the Month
This month’s winner goes to a member who has almost been with us since the very beginning, and has been active and thoughtful throughout this time. As one of our younger members, he often shows a great deal of maturity whilst expressing his love for the club. So, as a thanks to his continued support of RoM.org, the award goes to Suffix, aka Rooneylichious.
Interview
Time for the member interview. Dizzy, has kindly taken the time to give us a bit of insight on himself. Read on to learn more…
Real name: Richard Cole, but keep calling me Dizzy =)
Where are you from: I was born in Oldham, but currently living right in the middle between Wigan and Bolton.
Who is your biggest inspiration: The kinda people that come from having absoutley nothing, to having everything they ever wanted.
What would you like to be better at: Football, definitley. Despite the fact I always claim I would have been a footballing genius had I continued playing, I think maybe, I could have improved in my defensive skills a little bit. Only a little.
If you could ask anyone, living or dead, a question, who and what would it be? I'd ask Falco how to what Rock Me Amadeus is all about.
What is your all time favourite film? Scarface.
What will you be dressing up as this Halloween: A gangsta
If you won the lottery, how would you spend it? I'd keep a quater for myself, spend it on everything I ever need (which is basically food). I wouldn't even move house. I'd give the rest to family, friends, and anything left over, I'd build a pool and swim in it... or give it to charity.
One job in the world, what would it be? Sarah Michelle Gellar's reflection.
What’s your biggest ambition in life? To get by with having as much fun as possible.
What’s your greatest ever achievement? Just recently actually. We'd ran out of Pumpkins so I made a face out of a lemon and stuck a candle in it. That's how little I've achieved so far!
What’s your biggest regret? None at all really, I learn from every screw up I do.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? Hopefully, travelling the word. I'd dare to dream and say, I'd be some kind of rockstar, but I'll have to be a bit more realistic I think. I'll probably still be writing on this forum.
Who do you hate most: It would usually be Liverpool, but in fact, the only Liverpool fans I've known (there's been about 2, I tend not to talk to scousers if I can) have been decent people. Right now, Chelsea for me, watching them lose is by far the most fun that can be had.
Do we need anyone in January? If so, who? Owen Hargreaves, he'd fit in so perfectly for us. Pippo Inzaghi too, why not?
Whats the best game you've ever been too? I've been very unlucky with my Manchester United games so far, they've all tended to be draws or defeats, so I think I may be some kind of jinx. Although I did see England Vs Greece in 2002 at Old Trafford, when David Beckham scored that last minute freekick that put us through to the finals, that was a r eal great moment!
Who's your favourite member on the forum? Whoa, err.. who's the richest person on here?
Anything else you want to tell us? Feel free to give me money!
[glow=green,2,300]What did one ghost say to the other ghost?
"Do you believe in people?"[/glow]
Article
This month’s article is written by Adz.
Smudge Shows The Way
In the FA Cup clash versus Liverpool last season, a poor United display resulting in a 1-0 defeat was overshadowed by a horrific injury sustained by Alan Smith. In closing down a John Arne Riise free kick, Smudge sustained a dislocated ankle and a broken leg. In that same fixture Liverpool’s fans had thrown shit and piss at United fans, sang Munich songs and had then took it upon themselves to sing “John Arne Riise, I wanna know how you broke Smith’s leg?” and then pelt his ambulance with rocks and stones while trying to tip it over.
So on the eve of the Liverpool fixture this season it would have been understandable and enjoyable from a United fans perspective if Alan Smith had come out and unleashed a volley of abuse at Liverpool and their scummy support. Something along the lines of, "The goings-on that day repulsed me. The Kop sang a sick chant, the Bin Dippers players and their manager seemed more interested in winning a cup tie than worrying about my playing career, and the police and paramedics did nothing when a shower of yobs pelted my ambulance with stones. It's payback time for the scumbags."
Instead Smith chose to maintain the high standards of professionalism which Manchester United have been associated for so long, he chose the high road, he chose to save face and instead look on the bright side. He’s back playing football and he’s at the best club in the World. Pre-Liverpool he said this, "Sunday will be the first time I'll have been able to thank all the people at Liverpool who helped me. For every Liverpool person who did something like that with the ambulance there were a million others who wished me well."
Was this the same Alan Smith? The same Alan Smith who had been perceived as a bad lad for so long?
What a difference to Jose Moan-inho’s comments in Chelsea’s programme pre-Barcelona.
Like Smith, Mourinho had mulled over horrific injuries. The injury in question the skull fracture to Petr Cech, sustained in the Premier League fixture with Reading. An injury as accidental as Alan Smith’s leg break.
Mourinho could have used his programme notes to say his reaction immediately after the Reading game was over the top, on second viewings Stephen Hunt’s actions were clearly accidental and Reading had given Petr Cech professional treatment, it was now time to put the whole situation away and move on.
Instead he insisted Hunt’s actions were purposeful, he referred to Hunt as a “hunter” and lied about the ambulance service saying it took thirty minutes to arrive when in fact records show it took seven minutes.
Even having time to cool down, Mourinho remained close to his utterly stupid words and wanted the world to know that Hunt had injured his player on purpose and should be treated like Ben Thatcher.
So why then does he need to heap more pressure on to Reading, a newly promoted club who gave Cech quality treatment and have apologised since the incident? Why question the NHS, almost saying they intended to mistreat Chelsea?
Has Mourinho taken the siege mentality too far? Is it time they took a leaf out of Manchester United’s book and were professional like reigning Champions?
Maybe they are hated for their unlimited wealth, but maybe even more so they are hated because their utter lack of respect, professionalism and honesty.
When people think of Chelsea, they don’t think of the English Champions they think of this man, Mourinho, who has a big problem with the whole world it seems who he feels are going against his team. Yeah right!
When compared to Alan Smith though, Chelsea are shown in the true light. That a 25-year old can be so professional shows that Chelsea are not this big power they portray themselves to be they are something to be pitied and if/when Manchester United reclaim our trophy back off them in May it will only mean Chelsea’s professionalism will stoop to new lows.
[glow=green,2,300]What do ghosts serve for dessert?
I Scream. [/glow]
Match of the Month
We’ve had plenty of great games to speak of, and this month’s write up is by Dizzy.
To choose Manchester United Vs Liverpool seemed all too obvious, and I don't think there's much about it I could really say, that hasn't been said on this forum before, it was a fantastic, but easy victory. In the end, I've gone with Bolton Wanderers Vs Manchester United.
Bolton have been really in form since all the talk about bungs and corruption, which now seems like years ago. The Bolton players really seemed to rally around their manager and want to give it their all, which they did. Bolton had won every game in the League since then, with an impressive victory over Liverpool on the pay.
After the disappointing draw against Reading back in September, United had won 6 of the 6 games they played since. It seemed this was going to be a very close match.
Straight away Manchester United played as they always do, entertaining attacking football, it took just 10 minutes for Wayne Rooney, who hadn't scored in 10 matches to get back to scoring ways. Anybody would be a fool to doubt him at all, why was such a fuss made? It was clear all season the Rooney was still full of quality, as he always will be. Michael Carrick too, upped his game against Bolton, although he'll need more good performances like this one to silent some of his critics. It was his brilliant pin-point pass the set Rooney off for his first goal.
United continued their dominance and it wasn't long until another goal came. It was yet again more quality from Wayne Rooney, a great finish from outside the box, and not even a keeper of Jussi Jaaskelainen's quality would be able to save it. It was something that came from nothing, Neville coming forward, who was then tackled by Ben Haim. Rooney straight away noticed it, and dashed to the ball before anyone had time to react, which resulted in a fantastic finish.
It seemed all too obvious to do "you wait for one, and the two come along at once joke", which, by the way, was used twice on Match of The Day.
Those who hadn’t seen much of Jussi Jaaskelainen before would probably think he was average keeper, although he did all he could today, soon after he denied Giggs, with what looked like a certain goal, with a great save.
Bolton tried to get into the game, but nothing really was going for them. Not even after half time despite their good bit of pressure for the first 15 minutes or so after the break. The United defence, Nemanja Vidic especially, were very solid against the team which before this game, had the best defensive record in the Premiership.
The points were soon wrapped up nicely just past the 80 minute mark when Louis Saha very unselfishly fed in Cristiano Ronaldo for a very easy tap in.
All that was left was for Wayne Rooney to complete a superb hat-trick which he did in stoppage time when a good interception by substitute and the ever improving Darren Fletcher fed Rooney in, and it was always all to obvious he was going to score. It was in every sense, a Rooney master class.
Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Hunt (Pedersen 69), Faye, Meite, Ben Haim, Giannakopoulos (Tal 83), Campo, Speed, Diouf, Davies (Smith 85), Anelka.
Manchester United: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (Heinze 61), Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs (Fletcher 83), Saha (O'Shea 82), Rooney.
Man of the Match: Wayne Rooney. Three superb goals for the 21 year old, proving (if he needed to already) just how good he is.
Player of the Month
Again, loads of great performances from our lads, and this month’s write up is by Keano16
Was Wayne Rooney’s performance ever in a drought? There can’t be a more deserving recipient of this Player Of The Month award. Before United’s latest game against Bolton, it seems people had forgotten the last time the sensational scouser put the ball in the back of the net. Whilst his confidence in front of goal was lacking, other parts to his game excelled showing us that there is far more to this boys game.
One day he will make a fine captain. We realised that fact when Sir Alex had enough confidence to give him that honour in a game where Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs were both sidelined. We can’t deny how much Rio Ferdinand would love to take over the role of skipper when the boy how hates scousers Gary Neville retires, but the boy Rio certainly has a fight on his hands in the shape of one Wayne Rooney.
It is hard to believe he is only 21. If rumours are true that he is set to sign a Fabregas style contract, then rest assured, Manchester United will have many successful seasons ahead. Wayne Rooney? Player Of The Month? Too right.
Deano's Media and Gaming Section
The Nintendo Wii (pronounced ‘’we’’, which emphasizes that the console is for every one) is Nintendo’s seventh generation games console with backwards compatibility and Internet connection. It will be available in Europe on December the 8th, priced at £180, which is considerably cheaper compared to the 360 and the PlayStation 3.
The Wii aims to change the face of gaming, with the revolutionary controller, the Wii remote, which will be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion/rotation in three dimensions. It also contains a speaker and a rumble device. The Wii isn’t all about games though. When powered on the Wii interface will include Wii Channels (Wii forecast channel, Wii news channel and Mii channel) a gateway to interactive features and the internet.
Wii’s Virtual Console is a feature of the Wii that has older gamers excited. This software is coupled with a download service that enables users to play games of past eras. Being able to play games such as Street Fighter 2, Mario Kart against friends over the internet, bring it on.
One area where you'll definitely see the price difference is in visual quality. Unlike the PS3 and the Xbox 360, the Wii will not will not support high-definition output, though the system will offer 480p progressive scan and a wide-screen mode, so it has the potential to look at least as good as a DVD on an HDTV.
I’ve always been a Sony fan boy and always will be. Although I owned an Xbox and have played a 360, I refuse to spend my money on anything related to Microsoft. I have my Wii pre-ordered, which arrives on the 8th of December which should do me nicely until the release of the PS3. Don’t bet against the Wii not sneaking around the back and posing a threat as the PlayStation 3 (when released) and the Xbox 360 are too busy battling it out for king of the consoles, because I know I won’t …
It’s Halloween, so it must be…. yes another Saw installment.
A piece of sawed-off foot here, a piece of a limb there, did we really expect anything different this time around?
Saw III (as it’s imaginatively titled) begins were Saw II ended, with Eric Walters still chained up in a basement bathroom. Been there, screamed that….
Having been kidnapped by Amanda (Shawnee Smith), (Jigsaws apprentice), Dr. Lynn Denlon (Bahar Soomekh) is wheeled to Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) who is led on a makeshift Hospital bed dying from an inoperable frontal lobe tumor. After asking how long he has to live in which she replies, ‘’not long’’, Lynn is then strapped up with a collar which is surrounded by shotgun shells. The collar is linked with Jigsaws heart monitor. If it flat lines, the shells will be triggered, killing her. Expect lots of gore, gruesome deaths, deadly traps and twists as the film goes back and fourth from Dr. Lynn frantically trying to save her own life (will her expertise prevail?) to Jigsaws previously set up traps elsewhere in what seems like two separate story lines.
Many critics dislike the Saw films. Stick a group of people in a couple of dark rooms and kill them off. Err yeah, that it? Looking back at the first Saw, the thrill came not from the disturbing forced self harm, but from the mystery behind a twisted mind, pleasured in watching such games play out. All of which has been missing since the first installment.
Saw III is an improvement over Saw II (but that can’t have been hard?), it manages to explain everything from Jigsaws evil contraptions to the background of his nutty assistant, Amanda, but with lack of creativity, poor acting, tired cliches and enough flash backs to give you a seizure as well as confuse you, you’re left thinking please not another… Although having grossed over $34 million on its opening weekend, it’s inevitable that I’ll be seeing you next Halloween, for the release of Saw IV...
Sig of the Month
Congratulations Redom, and thanks to those who nominated.
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I hope you enjoyed the sixth edition of The Paper. Any comments about it please leave in the comments thread on this board
Editor: Scott
