A few things...

I wish I had a smooth computerized lady voice to announce when activation sequences are initiated around my house...

#1 - Hertha Berlin midfielder Pál Dárdai treated some supporters to a beer this weekend... all 74,000 of them.

#2 - Hammarby forward Charlie Davies has been suspended for five game for a thrown elbow last week. The club may appeal for a shorter sentence, but there can be no hearing until June, so he has seen his last action before the Allsvenskan takes a spring break in a few weeks.

UPDATE: The Swedish FA has decided to hear Hammarby's appeal this evening just before their match at Brommapojkarna. I should be able to post the decision here shortly thereafter. From what I gather, Davies and the club are hoping to get the ban knocked down to two games.

UPDATE UPDATE: No dice on the appeal.

#3 - Also at S365, I've posted this week's MLS Club Ladder. Everyone needs to cut out all the draws, makes the ranking much harder.

#4 - MLS commish Don Garber addresses officiating in his latest blog post.

#5 - Could Boca Juniors 35-year old striker Martin Palermo actually make Argentina's World Cup 2010 team? And could he make it as an MLS player? All TBD, says the ace in a talk with SI's Gregory Sica.

#6 - U.S. U-17 standout Luis Gil is auditioning to join Arsenal's academy.

Meanwhile, FC Twente academy trialist Jordan Palmer checks back in over at The Original Winger.

#7 - Is it just me or does anyone else find it odd how long USMNT boss Bob Bradley waits to announce upcoming squads? Don't feel too bad, though... the players aren't told much sooner than we all are. Sorry, I just don't get it.

#8 - As if things couldn't get any worse this month for RSL, they've now lost #2 keeper Chris Seitz.

Kyle Reynish, you are on.

#9 - A bit of Glenn Davis buzz says Philly Union are considering a move for AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf.

Let me say this as clearly as I can: DO. NOT.

Unless, of course, you want someone who will bring a disruptive attitude into your team. Somehow, Milan and Real Madrid have managed to be star-studded enough to keep him humble and working hard.

Everyone else, including the Dutch national team, have gotten someone who acts like he's God's gift and plays like he's Don Rickles.

#10 - It's the times we live in (sigh)... now, Kansas City is having a stadium struggle.

#11 - Javier Aguirre is back in the El Tri saddle and Goal inspects his surprise-filled first squad call-ups.

#12 - Fanhouse scribe Brian Strauss has a superb suggestion for MLS bigwigs: try to be more like St. Pauli.

Side note: on two occasions, I stayed within earshot of the Millerntor for about 2-3 months. I definitely recommend a visit if you find yourself in Hamburg (it's near the Sternschanze train stop).


- Greg Seltzer