Manolete was his idol while growing up just outside Madrid. He is often compared as the same kind of tragic figure as well. In a season where his every move is being watched, José Tomás turned in a couple of dramatic performances last couple of weeks. Having just triumphed in San Sebastian, Tomás fought in “La Malagueta”, Malaga’s famed Plaza de Toros on Saturday August 18th. He was his usual phenomenal but at a price. As explain in an earlier post, during his second bull, Tomás was tossed twice and the images of the battering were dramatic. thirteen days later and one day after the 60th Anniversary of the death of Manolete, Tomás was again turning in a courageous performance, giving his all when he was gored in the right leg. He refused to be taken into the infirmary, killed his bull and walked under his own power to be patched up. This performance in Linares was testimony to the man’s dedication to his art and valor beyond comprehension. Take a look at the small video I put together of the two performances.

I stumbled across this interesting article on DNA and cloning of Wine Grapes. I’ve always wondered why new varieties don’t show up in wineries or on the store shelves. The following article explains the importance of the work by a couple of Italian scientist who have opened up the genetic doors for future quality wines. You know, wine nerdy stuff.
Wine-Grape Genome Cracked. No rush to produce new varieties for oenophiles is likely. Jim Downing – Sacramento Bee Staff Writer. Scientists may have cracked the genetic code of the wine grape, but don’t hold your breath for that first bottle of “Double Helix Red.” After spending decades teaching consumers to savor familiar, often centuries-old grape varieties, wineries have little motivation to add an uncertain new variable to a crowded field of products. “Wine-grape breeding is basically dead, because there’s no interest in new varieties,” said Andrew Walker, a professor of oenology and viticulture who specializes in plant breeding at the University of California, Davis. A team of French and Italian scientists reported Sunday in the online version of the journal Nature that they’d sequenced the genome of the wine grape. The announcement marked the first full accounting of a fruit’s genetic material and revealed tantalizing information about the link between a grapevine’s DNA and the aromas and flavors of its grapes. Researchers have completed genome sequences for only a handful of species, including fruit flies, humans and rice. In food crops, knowing the DNA code of a species gives researchers a jumping-off point for developing new varieties with desirable traits, such as resistance to drought or disease or, potentially, flavor and aroma. It can help to guide conventional breeding programs as well as the development of genetically engineered varieties. But in the case of the wine grape, consumer recognition of traditional varieties is so high that winemakers are leery of taking a chance on something new, even if it was developed without controversial genetic engineering techniques. “If it’s not (an established variety), it’s a tough sell,” said Eric Aafedt, winemaker at Bogle Vineyards in Clarksburg. “If the wine was great, it’d still be a tough sell.” Grapevines are propagated by grafting a shoot from one plant onto the rootstock of another, producing a vine that is a clone of the plant that produced the shoot. All the vines of a particular variety can be traced to a single common ancestor, said Carole Meredith, professor emeritus of oenology and viticulture at UC Davis and now a grape grower and winemaker in the Napa Valley. The millions of cabernet sauvignon varieties grown around the world today, for instance, are all near-copies of a single vine grown in France several hundred years ago. Only the grapes from these clones can be sold as “cabernet sauvignon.” Plant breeders have, over the years, introduced new varieties of wine grapes developed by cross-pollinating one variety of grape with another. But there are few success stories. The late UC Davis professor Harold Olmo developed several varieties starting in the late 1940s. But those grapes, such as emerald riesling and ruby cabernet, haven’t become familiar to wine lovers. Developed mainly for heat-tolerance, they’re generally planted in the San Joaquin Valley and made into low-end wines that aren’t marketed as being made from any particular type of grape. By contrast, new varieties of table grapes developed by Olmo and others were widely adopted, greatly expanding the crop’s harvest season and geographic range. If the genetic map of the wine grape is unlikely to lead quickly to new varieties of wine, Meredith said, that doesn’t mean the study was for naught. “I personally think that the biggest benefit is that it will allow us to better understand how grapes work,” she said. Learning what sorts of weather conditions or farming practices can “turn on” a certain gene linked to a floral aroma or susceptibility to a disease could help growers fine-tune the way they care for their crop. “The benefits are really in understanding how grapes respond to different environments,” she said.

This is bullshit. TVE has decided to give in to public pressure and stop televising live bullfights. I have had a subscription to DirecTV’s Spanish package for 4 years now. The only reason, besides futbol I have it because it is the only way to see televised bullfights on TV. TVE also broadcasts Tendido Cero when they please, so I would get my fix every now and then. Now the pussies who run TVE have decided not to televise Corridas any more. I am bloody pissed.
Spain’s state TV explains dropped live coverage of bullfights
Aug 23, 2007, 10:43 GMT Madrid – The over 50-year-old tradition of live television broadcasts of bullfights on Spanish state television threatens to be over soon, the daily El Mundo reported Thursday. El Mundo reported that for the first time in history the state TV channel RTVE has so far not broadcast any bullfights this year. But RTVE noted on Thursday that it had not taken the bullfights out of its programme on principle, but rather it had to consider protecting children from violence on television. Bullfights normally take place during the afternoons when especially children are watching TV. The broadcast station denied it was boycotting the bullfights: ‘RTVE is not against the Corridas (bullfights).’ Even with the state television move, it does not mean that Spanish viewers have been deprived of TV coverage of bullfights, since many regional television stations carry live broadcasts of bullfights. In central and southern Spain, a bullfight can be seen almost daily on local television.

We spent another weekend in wine country. Back to Healdsburg, California it was. I was describing the town to a friend and could not help compare it to Haro in La Rioja. Similar to Haro, Healdsburg is a town which revolves around wine. Most commerce is about wine and growing grapes. We joined the town during its 150th Birthday celebration and the party resembled Haro during fiestas. The wine is great too. The whole place was getting set to harvest as early as the end of next week. Unti, Frick and Quivira are a handful doing Rhone style. Which we like. The whole region does Zinfandel and Pinot Noir the best. They also do Cabs, Cab Franc and Petite Syrah and of course Chardonnay in every freaking direction. Best winery we visited… between Quivira, Bella and Iron Horse. Best Wine: Iron Horse 2003 Benchmark, OMG. As I stated before, I urge you to consider this region when avoiding the crowds of Napa and Sonoma.

I had the whole weekend planned. I will be celebrating a birthday in early October. A couple of days before my birthday the plan was to pull all the strings I could manage and try to attend the Premiere of the Manolete movie starring Penelope Cruz and Adrien Brody. The following Sunday and day after my birthday we were gonna attend the announced corrida and presentation of Español José Tomás en Tijuana. An action packed weekend of toros, wine, movie stars and fun. Not to be. The José Tomás pulled out of his proposed appearance in Tijuana and I just learned the Premiere of Manolete has been pushed back for a Christmas 2007 release. Oh Heck. I’ve been waiting a chronicled year plus for Manolete and I’ve never seen José Tomás. So this October I’m gonna keep the time off, rent a Limo and revisit the wineries of Temecula. If it can’t be bulls, its gotta be wine! On the subject of José Tomás, this past weekend in Malaga he cut two ears. He did it the hard way though. On his second animal he was tossed while working with the capote. He arose immediately and continued with the Goaneras. During the faena he was again caught. This time the toro chased Tomás who had eluded him with a body roll. The toro caught Tomás by the neck tie and punished him with a slap of his horn on Tomás’ face. The bloodied Tomás continued to fight and ended up cutting two ears from his foe. It was quite a gutsy performance. It was also a display of the determination of this torero where as many other toreros would have quit. The images were quite shocking. Check it out below, but be advised it is violent.

In what turned out to be a thriller in New York/New Jersey, 66,000 bandwagon fans came out to see their New York Red Bulls out last the Los Angeles Galaxy and David Beckham on Saturday 8/18/07. Becks didn’t score but he managed to assist on 2 of the Galaxy 4 goals. The Red Bulls however managed to score the fifth and final goal in the 88th minute. Besides the 9 goals, the back and forth action and the obvious lack of world class goal keeping the game showcased the draw the MLS had hoped when they signed Becks. It was Beckham’s first game on Field Turf and by evidence of his swollen ankle, Beckham will have to baby it if he really wants to fly over the pond and get some playing time in the England-Germany Friendly scheduled for Wednesday 8/22/07. Besides Beckham, the game did highlight the Red Bulls Jozy Altidore and Juan Pablo Angel. Both have proven to be quite a tandem. See the collection of goals scored during the memorable defenseless game.

Carlos Tevez is a Red Devil. Shit. I detest ManU, but Carlitos Tevez is one of my favorite players. So yesterday a week after all the mess with West Ham United was ironed out, Tevez finally suited up and played his first game for the evil side. He looked good. He was all over the right flank and with a precision pass while being covered by at least 4 Portsmouth defenders, he assisted on the first goal. I will not get myself to root for a side with the Metro Sexual Cristiano Ronaldo though. I will however keep it on the channel to see how the diminutive Gaucho does.
Also yesterday, David Beckham finally started a game for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Hondureño Carlos Pavon was fould by a D.C. United defender at the top of the box 24 minutes in and Becks lined up the ball like a surgeon setting up his patient. With one swing of his golden boot, Beckham validated his $250 Million dollar contract. Check it out below.

Another great Taurine photo! This shot is of Spanish Novillero Jairo Miguel’s reappearance after a near fatal goring in the chest 2 months before in Aguascalientes, Mexico. When the 14 year old Miguel was gored, he made international news bringing into question the option Spanish Novilleros take by coming to Mexico to gain valuable experience fighting and killing novillos. Spanish law prevents these youngsters from performing younger than 17 years of age, with picadores. El Juli, Jose Tomas and Rubén Pinar have all taken this route to stardom. After much publicized rehabilitation, Miguel returned to the ring in Monterey, Mexico on 10/12/07 and turned in a very inspired and mature performance. The photo illustrates the emotion, concentration and skill of the moment in a classic Taurine scene. Invented by Spanish Matador Miguel Mateos “Miguelin”, the “Espaldina” is used to maneuver the bull to the horse by sighting the animal and having the bull engage the capote at the toreros back side while walking in a zig-zag pattern towards the Picador. Its been called “an inverted Gaonera”. The lance can also be performed “parado”, as Miguel is doing in the classic photo.

Hours remain before the start of the Barclays Premiere League. I’m really look to this season as being a break out season for my boys from the Toon, Newcastle United. After the resignation of Glenn Roeder, Newcaslte hired Sam “Big Sam” Allardyce to get the Magpies back on track. Big Sam as been busy cleaning house and acquiring fresh faces such as veterans Australian Mark Veduka from Middlesbrough, Alan Smith from Manchester United, Geremi from Chelsea, Joey Barton from Manchester City and Czech David Rozehnal from PSG. Hopefully these guys will provide the spark needed for Newcastle to play to the potential of the amount of talent on the squad including Nolberto Solano, Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Irishmen Shay Given and Damien Duff. Hopefully in 2007-08 Big Sam can help rally this group bring silverware for the underachiveing squad from the north of England. In addition to Newcastle, other teams have been active getting ready for the new season. Most notably, Argentine Carlito Tevez has finally left West Ham and has been cleared to play for and join Portuguses Nani at the dreaded Manchester United. Spanish wonder boy Fernando Torres signed for Liverpool and Florent Malouda from Lyons, Claudio Pizarro from Bayern Munich and Brazilian Alex from PSV Eindhoven will don Chelsea blue in 2007-08. My predictions for how it will end up are:
1) Liverpool will finish strong and take the title from…
2) ManU who sputter at the end with key players out
3) Chelsea will finish third in Mourinho’s last year at the Bridge
4) Arsenal will not recover from their first Henry-less season
5) The Toon! Newcastle United will be the most improved side of the year
At the other end Birmingham, Derby County and Wigan will fall into the Championship. Check out World Soccer Daily’s predictions and tune in after the games on Monday for good insight from at least Steven. Howard sucks cuz he’s ManU. Enjoy the season.

Enviado por email del Club Torres Online: En verano, algo pasa con los vinos tintos que no nos decidimos a pedirlos, y es que ¿quien se bebe un tinto a 30ºC? Nadie. Si echáis un vistazo al “Diccionario del Vino” de M. Wiesenthal entenderéis que el error viene de lejos. Y es que, antiguamente, era necesario “chambrer” el vino, o sea, atemperarlo ya que las cavas donde se guardaban estaban muy frías, unos 11ºC. Así que antes de tomarlo, lo dejaban unas horas en una habitación que estaba a unos 16ºC; claro esta es la temperatura ambiente a la que estaban las casas del Norte de Francia, ¡cuando no había calefacción! Así que el vino se tomaba a 16ºC, una temperatura perfecta para el vino tinto. Esto traducido a nuestros días significa más bien fresco. Nuestro verano es caluroso y nuestras casas tienen calefacción, es raro que nos sentemos a comer con una temperatura inferior a los 20ºC. En resumen, los tintos jóvenes entre 15 y 17ºC. Si son algo más añejos entre 17 y 18ºC. Veréis que el alcohol queda más integrado y el paladar no resulta tan agresivo. ¿El truco para conseguir la temperatura? Refrescad el tinto en una cubitera con más agua que hielos. (Recuerda que puedes apuntar todas tus compras y catas de vino en la sección “Mis Vinos” de Club Torres Online – ¡una manera perfecta de no perder la pista de los vinos que has disfrutado!). ¡NUEVO! – Nuestros (Torres) vídeos ya en YouTube.

Incase you haven’t heard, Manchester United just signed nine year old Rhain Davis from an Australian youth team. What is so bizarre, yet incrediable is the manner how they found out about this kid. There is no denying the boy has skills. ManU became aware of the lad when the grandfather of the footballer who lives in England, sent ManU a link to a four minute video he had uploaded on YouTube. ManU saw the video, and in turned signed the youngster to their development Under 10 Team. Check out the kid below. BTW, I can’t stand ManU and that fucking song drives me nuts!

We spent the weekend in Healdsburg, California. Ever heard of it? Situated north of Napa Valley and Sonoma. Healdsburg is a little village in the middle of three wine appellations in the Russian River area which includes the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. Our ventures took us to famed wineries as Rochioli, Ridge Lytton Springs, Seghesio and Hop Kiln. Other wineries in the area which we didn’t have time to visit are Ferrari-Carano, La Crema, Jordan and Marimar Torres. Quite a collection of wineries in wine regions so important in todays landscape without the crowds of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. If your thinking of visiting the wine country for your next romp through the vineyards, consider one of the most breath taking places on earth. But, keep it a secret.

For a couple of years now Mundo Taurino socio and photographer Jason Morgan had submitted pictorial updates on then 14 year old Spanish Rubén Pinar. Pinar spent time in Mexico fine tuning his skills. By the look of the different series of photos Pinar was very promising. This summer Pinar has returned to Spain finally reaching the age to legally fight in Spanish plazas. This past Sunday, Pinar capped off a successful debut in Madrid with a inspired performance. Just as Jason would tell Mundo Taurino, Pinar is the real deal. To be his age and be so advanced in his Toreo is not commonly seen. Not since El Juli has there been a torero with so much raw talent, skill and sitio. Below is a video recap of his Madrid Las Ventas July 29th performance. Notice the Mexican influence in his style. No upright relaxed Spanish style being over done by today’s Spanish Matadors. Quebrando la cintura y mandando el toro con muletazos barriendo la arena! Pinar would later be named outstanding performer of the series of Night Novilladas recently concluded.