One Winged Landing

This is pretty amazing. An Israeli pilot lands an F15 after one wing is destroyed in flight.

More AP idiocy

Well, this time it's apolitical, but it's still utter incompetence and just plain bad journalism.

The AP headline says Ken Jennings "blasts" the show that made him. However, read his blog entry that was the source of the story. The AP has fallen for a humor piece. Every day, I hate the AP more and more....

Another AP "story"

The AP writes a love letter about Castro's "impossible mission" during the '50s. No mention of the prison camps, and the only time the word "dictator" is used is to describe Batista, not Castro.

Makes me wanna throw up.

age-old cliche....

As predicted, the media is gonna shower our senses with images of helpless victims of countries that harbor terrorists *sighs*. Yet not one showing of all the Israeli victims of Hamas, PLO, Al-Aqsa, Hezbollah attacks over the decades. A big *middle finger* for NYC (where ABC, CBS, etc are). Stop bombing Lebanon? How about stop voting for killers to your government. Then we'll leave you alone. Morons.

Has anyone ever listened to Stephanie Miller? She's this liberal skidmark that's now on the drive home for me on the radio...It's the F-U Bush Praise Clinton hour with her. Seriously, I swear, I think she has staged "conservatives" call her because EVERY conservative that called on her show sound like stereotypical dumb hicks. I'm not kidding. Nobody combats her logically on that show in turn Miller & co mocks the guest and further spews liberal "facts" vs Bush......I actually tried calling several times but the lines were always "busy." I think she's a crock.

Coulter

This is hillarious. I never considered the politics of Google page ranking before. I even think now that this is probably just coincidence. Right now, 6 out of the top 7 Google hits for "ann coulter donny deutsch" are in the vein, "Donny Deutsch Shatters the Coulter Myth." The funny thing is that I downloaded and watched the segment and he did no such thing. He does a pretty good job repeating himself about how there is no liberal bogeyman. Coulter then has to repeat herself about how there is and it runs the DNC. The digg link above has some all over the place comments. If you follow through to the crooksandliars story you can see the dementia begin. I mean it's not like Coulter demolished him or anything, but neither did he "tear her apart." There really wasn't an overwhelming sense of confrontation in the piece at all. Some, but that wasn't the overall tone.

Panhandler

I don't claim to be the world expert on panhandling signs or anything. Still, I thought it to be fairly well understood that the sign should refer to to holder. For instance, if the sign says, "will work for food," it means that the guy holding the sign is offering to work for food. Likewise if the sign says, "Vietnam vet," the holder is indicating that he served in Vietnam during the war. So imagine my confusion when I saw a guy, on the side of the offramp, holding a sign which included, "POW MIA VA Hospital." Now if I'm wrong about him and he was actually telling his life story, e.g. a POW, then declared MIA, assumedly released, spent some time in the VA hospital, now wants your money, I hope someone buys him dinner then a house. The customary procedure though is to list _current_ descriptors on the sign. Therefore he is claiming to be a POW and MIA. Is he then a foreign soilder invading the US? Call the Army someone please. Or is he a US soldier claiming to be a POW and MIA on US soil? Sounds more like AWOL to me. Call the MPs.

it's just not surprising...

If Americans think WW III did not start on 9/11, then this should wake them up. The time for "dialogue" is over.....it should've been over a long time ago.

Israel vs the world

Someone didn't get enough attention from their mother

Are you freakin' kidding me?

The Happy Planet

Liberal environmentalist wacko group, The New Economic Foundation, has a study out being touted by the AFP in a recent story that comes to the conclusion that the Vanuatu is the happiest country on earth. Second? Get this: Colombia. Sixth, of course, is Cuba. Where does the US fall in this? Why, 150th, naturally.

(I'd link to the NEF's website, but, it seems, this great think tank has a pretty shabby website. I wonder if the AFP would write a story about the Heritage Foundation's index with the same sort of enthusiasm?)

Anyway, this index from the NEF is a liberal douchebag's fantasy-land index - it factors in "Ecological Footprint" and the nebulous "Life Satisfaction". Sounds like all they want to do is wag their finger in the face of industrialized Western nations in order to preach the happy, primitive, back-to-Gaia-mother-earth way of life that the noble savages exemplify. Somebody should tell these morons about how it was the industrialized nations that came up with the methods of controlling hunger, disease, and injury.

But what do I know? Of course, the proof is in the pudding, as we witness all those unhappy American refugees fleeing on boats to Cuba and across the border into Mexico on a daily basis.

Back to politics, holmes

Well, now that the World Cup is over, I can return to thinking about politics.

For starters, I'd been glued to the Mexican election results when there wasn't a game on. PAN candidate Felipe Calderon (successor to the current Pres., Vicente Fox) eked out an apparent victory by half a percentage point - this is after the obligatory recount following a narrow victory in the preliminary results. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the left-leaning candidate (and former mayor of Mexico City) has vowed to dispute the results, Algore-style, even though the non-partisan election commission has stated the results are irreversible. We'll see what happens, but I hope AMLO's beef peters away and Mexico proves that they can join the rest of the developed world in peaceful democracy by holding a fair election that all parties can recognize.

What does this mean for the US, provided the results hold up? Well, Calderon is a free-trader (well, more of a free-trader than AMLO), which is the best news for us unless you are one of those protectionist psychos who says Mexicans are stealing all our jobs, in which case I recommend you get a little refresher in economics. In fact, the red/blue (well, blue/yellow) map of Mexico shows that border states favor Calderon, as they are the ones that benefit most from free trade. (I'm also happy to say that all Mexican states to which the wife has relations - Baja, Jalisco, and Chihuahua - all favored Calderon). So, it can only mean good news because 1) it demonstrates our influence on our southern neighbor that they can now hold a peaceful and fair election, and 2) free trade is good for both countries. In terms of the border, however, both candidates were not seeing eye-to-eye with US. Well, you can't have everything, I guess. The best thing to do is to just let free-trade raise the level of both countries to the point that they stop exporting their poor to us. In the meantime, we'll guard our border and say, "sorry, Felipe, but we gotta do what we gotta do."

French World Image

Don't worry, this is a foreign policy post... sort of. Zidane might well have cost France the World Cup by getting himself redcarded and not being there for the PKs. In doing so, though, he has done more than anyone in memory to reduce France's surrender monkey image.

nice threat LOL

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/5752440

Even soccer has their fair share of threats. Rooney will "split Ronaldo in 2." Gotta love the English...

yes, another World Cup posting

Being on vacation for the last week allowed me to catch up on games. Thank you TiVo. As for the KO stage,

bracket 1: I said Argentina will come out of this one and I'm sticking with it. Although Germany will give them a tough test. This can really go either way....

bracket 2: I'm personally glad Italy eliminated Australia, but you know why because of my bias ;-) - Shockingly, I think the Ukraine-Switzerland game was one of the better games of the Cup, but Ukraine pulls it off by PK. Italy should win this group

bracket 3: Again, as much as I like England, they're basically riding on Beckham's foot. I think their run ends vs Portugal a few days from now. But man, what a carded game that was between Portugal-Holland. The story of this Cup, unfortunately, will be the refs. Warn them, THEN card them! An instant red card is simply unheard of unless if it was something blatantly obvious (de Rossi's elbow on McBride causing blood)

bracket 4: Starts today, but I think Brazil will win this group. I'm sure everyone's inspired by Ghana....what's ironic is you have the most carded team (Ghana) playing the least carded (Brazil). That MAY go against Brazil but for the life of me, I can't see Ghana beating them. And then.....I don't think Spain nor France has a chance vs Brazil. Possibly Spain but their ghosts will come back.

Yep, I'm plaing it safe and I see Argentina vs Italy and Portugal vs Brazil. Although this ain't scientific....predicting soccer games is almost guessing.

As for the US: keep Eddie Johnson, Bobby Convey, DaMarcus Beasley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Pablo Mastroeni, Tim Howard and build them. The rest of the roster? We'll find out for the next 4 years. There are plenty of players in Europe (EPL) that should be noticed as well as Adu and Twellman. I know their magical #5 ranking is probably gonna tank after this World Cup.

what a sad day for US soccer....

Well, the US proves their inconsistencies once again by losing to Ghana. Actually, that PK should've never happened. What Onyewu did was something I see high schoolers do often. This World Cup has been chokeful of yellow cards. Many can blame the US and rightfully so but they were robbed in many ways throughout the World Cup. They should bounce back in 2010. After all, it's being played outside of Europe. There should be young stars that can shine in 2010 as we're hearing swan songs from Reyna, Keller, Pope, etc.

As for Japan, once again they strike first.......and then get obliterated as the game goes by. As for favorites and looking at how the brackets are set up, I see Argentina, Italy, Portugal, and Brazil in the semis.......

Summer '06 - Light Reading Suggestions

Since today marks the beginning of the hot season, I thought I'd post a reading list of some of NRO's contributing staff and affiliates.

From one of the columnists:

"Another enjoyable summer pastime is reading The Oxford Illustrated History of Modern War at your nearest soy-swilling, peacenik-chic coffeehouse, nodding and murmuring approvingly as you sip a non-organic corporate beverage."

Enough is Enough

From a heartfelt post on Human Events - rarely does my blood boil about politics, but Moore has said enough to earn himself no.1 on my Piece of S**t list...

"A guilt-stricken JFK finally ransomed back the Bay of Pigs prisoners. Hundreds of these promptly joined the U.S. Army and many volunteered for action in Vietnam. One of these was named Felix Sosa-Camejo.

By the day Mr. Sosa-Camejo died while rescuing a wounded comrade, he’d already been awarded 12 medals, including the Bronze Star, three Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts. I’ll quote from his official citation:

“On February 13, 1968, the lead platoon was hit by an enemy bunker complex manned by approximately forty North Vietnamese Regulars. Upon initial contact the point man was wounded and lay approximately 10 meters in front of the center bunker. The platoon was unable to move forward and extract the wounded man due to the heavy volume of fire being laid down from the enemy bunker complex.

“Captain Sosa-Camejo immediately moved into the firing line and directed the fire against the enemy bunker. With disregard for his safety, Captain Sosa-Camejo ran through the intense enemy fire and pulled the wounded point man to safety. After ensuring that the wounded man was receiving medical treatment, Captain Sosa-Camejo returned to the fire fight and again exposed himself to the intense enemy fire by single handedly assaulting the center bunker with grenades killing the two NVA soldiers manning the bunker. As he turned to assault the next bunker an NVA machine gun opened up and he was mortally wounded. Captain Sosa-Camejo’s valorous action and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”

From his limousine Michael Moore sneers at this Cuban-American and his Band of Brothers as “wimps and crybabies with yellow lines down their back.”

Maybe I’m biased, but nothing—absolutely nothing—Ann Coulter has said about John Murtha or John Kerry or the Jersey Girls strikes me as remotely comparable in vileness, cowardice and rank stupidity as Michael Moore’s blanket calumny against some of the bravest men of the 20th Century."

UNITED STATES SHOULD'VE WON 2-1!!!!!!!!

Okay, unless if there's a rule I don't know about, tell me how DaMarcus Beasley's goal was considered an offsides? What? Brian McBride just STANDING there is considered offsides? McBride did not touch the ball as it went into the net. I've seen COUNTLESS goals in the past where it went past their own team's player into the goal....and it counted! What the hell kinda call was that? Seriously!!!

This was one of the worst referees (Uruguayan) I've seen EVER for a soccer game. I've seen bad refs but this legitimately topped it. He called EVERY foul in the first 30 minutes of the game to the point where I think both teams racked fouls in the 20+....followed by yellow cards left and right. I mean, there were fouls for simply putting your hand on the back of an opponent. Of course, we come to find out the ref was banned back in 2002 for irregularities. Irregularities for sure....red card on the Italian elbowing McBride to a bloody oblivion is understandable (pretty much the only good call he made in the entire game)....but red card for a Mastroeni slide tackle? Red card on Pope? Historically, the people would get warnings before getting an yellow card! And then if you watched the last 20 minutes of the game, there were ZERO calls? ZERO calls in the last 20. Why not? The bastard did enough damage already. Shit, how did this guy ref again??????

America was robbed. Plain and simple. What a tremendous effort for having only NINE players on the field. At least Ghana beat the overrated Czechs. 2-0. I cheered my head off for the goal after the FIRST MINUTE. Good job Czechs for overlooking your opponents...maybe that #2 ranking is getting to your heads after all. All that's left is Italy to whomp on your asses and US to beat Ghana. Hopefully US has their head into the game vs Ghana. We'll see. After today's effort, I seriously think US can pull it off vs Ghana. Let's hope Italy destroys Czech Rep.

An Inconvenient Dataset

Bob Carter, a Professor at James Cook University in Austrailia, says this of Al Gore and his new film:

"The man is an embarrassment to US science and its many fine practitioners, a lot of whom know (but feel unable to state publicly) that his propaganda crusade is mostly based on junk science."

Professor Carter has just earned the lastest MSM bull's-eye...

World Cup - Days 2,3,4,5

Well, I've had a chance to watch most of the games so far, so I'll comment on them, going in order of interest:

USA-CR: Completely flat and uninspired performance by our boys. The worst performing side of the tourney by far. A national embarrassment. Only plus was EJ, some of Reyna's play, and Convey's aggressiveness. For the next match - replace Lewis with Boca (whose mother, BTW, used to clean houses with Wifey's aunt in Alta Loma) and Beasley with Dempsey. Move Donovan to attacking mid (replacing Mastroeni) and put EJ up with McBride. Or just bench Lando and put JOB in his place at mid. Anyway, as for the Czechs - pure class. They were awesome. They schooled us. Whether they really are that good or we were just playing so bad it made them look good will be answered when they play Ghana. Regardless, if they play the way they did against us for the rest of the Cup, they will probably reach the quarters at least, and deserve the semis.

Holland-S&M: My Oranje looked beautiful on the pitch, although I think they should have put more away - S&M's back four were very solid however. Man of the Match Arjen Robben looked good but was very selfish in several instances, taking extra dribbles to create a shot for himself when he could have easily chipped into the 6 or laid one off for an onrushing teammate. Regardless, his and van Persie's play were very inspired. S&M played very hard, but very ugly - they had chances, but couldn't convert. They will finish last in the real Group of Death.

Mexico-Iran: El Tri did not look that good in this game. Sanchez' mistake of failing to punch away a ball almost cost them dearly. Fortunately, Mirzapour made a big mistake and Mexico capitalized, and added a beautiful insurance goal with the new rush of confidence. I think the crowd really helped the Mexicans on this one, as you could hear the crowd was obviously partisan to them. Disappointing performance from Borgetti, who needs to pick it up by their 3rd match (Portugal). I think Mexico will beat Portugal and advance first in the group - then lose to either Holland or Argentina. Iran looked ok, but I think they will probably not even beat Angola. By that time they will have lost to Portugal and they will be too demoralized to play well. Too bad!

T&T-Sweden: Must suck to be a Swedish fan. They had tons of chances and failed to convert. God was on the Soca side that day - great performance by Hislop. Almost with the upset, if only Glen's shot had been slightly lower! However, England will not tolerate a draw with T&T. The Soca Warriors will be thrashed soundly, although I still believe a miracle is possible. Go Soca! Sweden will not advance now.

Japan-Aus: One of the best games of the tourney yet. Japan played well in spurts, but overall were outplayed by the Aussies, who were well-deserved in their dramatic victory after a cheap goal from Japan. I think the Aussies have a chance against Brazil. They are very physical - it ain't pretty, but it's effective, and Brazil may not be able to deal with it. Japan is set for an early exit - I don't even think they can beat Croatia, since Croatia has such a 12th man advantage in the crowd.

Argentina-Ivory Coast: Argentina did not look that sharp, but good enough to win. They will lose to Holland and advance second in the group. I'm a bit worried about Drogba when he plays the Oranje. He's an awesome force, a one-man team, and he might pull off the upset. He very nearly managed to level with the Argies on several occasions.

England-Paraguay: Snoozefest. Lucky goal for England means they get the points, but overall a very ugly game that I wish I hadn't recorded.

Brazil-Croatia: Brazil looked very much unlike the superpower we were expecting, and yet they were still awesome. Best player was Kaka, who scored and controlled the midfield with his hustle, also making some key defensive stops. Other bright spots were Roberto Carlos and Cafu. Dida wasn't really tested but was solid. Ronaldinho, although he tried to force the ball many times, was at least creative and pretty solid at helping to control the pace of the game. Low points for Brazil? No doubt - Ronaldo and Adriano. The game changed considerably when Robinho came in for the fat one. As for Croatia - they played very well and with a lot of heart. They deserved a draw in this game. I really liked Prso's hustle. The Croatians also have a significant 12th man advantage - the Croatian fans were rabid and inspiring, even up to the final whistle. I look forward to seeing the Croatia-Aus game.

Italy-Ghana: Didn't see the game, so can't really comment on it. It seems that the Italians are playing like, well, Italians during the World Cup. That is to say, very well. Italy seems to always do this - they rarely underachieve on this stage. I expect them to lose to CR (then get thumped by Brazil in the 2nd round), but it will be a good game. Ghana - still haven't seen them play, so can't comment. But they have a proven finisher in Essien, who I think will provide the final nail in the USA's embarrassment of a World Cup.

France-Switzerland: Another snoozefest. France deserved to lose this game, so are lucky to have a tie. They squandered so many chances - how do you justify not shooting the ball at the edge of the 6 with the keeper on his line? Swiss looked ok and I think could win the group.

Korea-Togo: Wow, was Togo surprising. Beautiful goal. However, the discipline of Korea was evident and they deserved the victory. I think the Koreans could well win the group, depending on if they can get over playing a European team in Europe.

Portugal-Angola: Snoozefest. Portugal looked like they would run away with it, but couldn't convert on key opportunities. Angola will be obliterated by Mexico, but might pull of a win against Iran. Figo shined for Portugal, so he needs to lead that team against Iran - I don't think they will beat the Mexicans.

Good times! Now I have two games I'm salivating over: Holland/Argentina and now CR/Italy. I still have the same cheering hierarchy: USA, Holland, Mexico, Costa Rica, and T&T, but I think that only Holland and Mexico will do anything now. Ticos have a chance, but Ecuador seems to be playing very well. My hope for the USA now is just not to get too embarrassed. Score at least once against Italy, or get a draw. Get a draw against Ghana. The US tactic needs now to change to play defensively and counterattack. It worked well against Brazil in '94 and it at least keeps the score respectable.

Latest Sowell...

The beauty of doing nothing is that you can do it perfectly. Only when you do something is it almost impossible to do it without mistakes. Therefore people who are contributing nothing to society except their constant criticisms can feel both intellectually and morally superior.

Oy Oy Oy

Hello Australia! So I switch over to the Tivo to check out the Japan Australia game. It's just ended... ok, I'll rewind a little into stoppage time to see if anything interesting happened. Cool, I got to see Australia put the nail in the Japanese coffin (3-1). Must have been an interesting game. Wait a minute, what did the announcer just say, something about the last ten minutes? I rewind to the game to the 83rd minute and it's 0-1 Japan! You bet this was an interesting game (at least the last part). Cahill knocks one in (off a throw in) to tie the game. Then in the 88th minute Cahill drills one off the post into the net, beautiful. Just under two minutes into stoppage, Aloisi gets that third point. I believe this is Australia's first World Cup game in 32 years.

World Cup - Day One

So, the first day is in the bag and we've had at least one thrilling game - Germany taking Los Ticos 4-2. Some offensive fireworks from the Germans, but nagging questions remain on their back line. I think the defense may not have adjusted to this new style of play - they looked like my old high school team trying to pull an offside trap. In my opinion, they will be shredded by a quality opponent, especially one with a speedy striker. The highlight of the game was Frings' rocket from 35 yards - I was out of my seat and yelling at the t0p of my lungs, it was so good (and I hate Germany).

Other thoughts:
-With Wanchope putting away both chances he was given, I still like the Ticos' chances, although they still played too defensively. If they win (not draw) their next match, they deserve to advance.
-The Poles looked terrible, although they had some bad luck too. They don't deserve to advance if that was the best they could muster in front of a (practically) home crowd.
-Ecuador looked good defensively, but I hate their keeper. He seemed too young and prone to mistakes, although he wasn't really tested. Germany will eat him alive.
-I loved Marcelo Balboa as a player (still remember that bicycle kick against Colombia), but listening to his commentary and his whiny frickin' voice makes me want to put a bullet in my head. He should be crowned "King of Obvious" for his commentary, which is also often meandering and directionless. I do like Tommy Smyth though, just because he has that Irish brogue. 'Celo should try to make a funny accent so we all don't want to kill him.

Looking forward to today. Go Soca Warriors! Go Guaranis! Go Elephants!

Awesome News

Abu Musab al Zarqawi is dead. What great news just a mere day before the World Cup! I first saw it on The Sun's website as I was cruising around looking for news of the Cup (around 5:15 EDT) before getting ready for work and thought "just another British tabloid reporting rumors" because it had not been reported by Drudge. Then I went to Fox News, then CNN, and indeed, I guess the news cycle was not started by Matt Drudge this time. That's what happens when you run a small operation, sometimes you have to sleep.

Again, what great news! Now, if the great news were to continue, Costa Rica would defeat Germany tomorrow, then Trinidad would defeat Sweden Saturday, then Mexico would defeat Iran Sunday, culminating in a US victory over the Czechs on Monday!

If The Red Primary Winner is McCain, I'm Staying Home in Nov '08...

From Sowell today:

"If an American citizen forges a Social Security card in order to get a job, he can be arrested. Under a provision recently passed by the Senate, illegal aliens who forged Social Security cards not only get a pass, they get to collect Social Security benefits.

The great majority of Senators who voted for that provision were Democrats, and they prevailed because they were joined by a small minority of Republicans, led by -- surprise! -- Senator John McCain. After similar defections on judges and free speech, Senator McCain may give opportunism a bad name."

Did I Mention I Like Dennis?

This one's too good to not post:

"Every car that has a bumper sticker declaring "War is not the answer" powerfully testifies to the intellectual decline of the well educated and to the devolution of "liberal thought" into an oxymoron."

Is it history...

repeating itself? The most important bit from this piece in my opinion;

today’s Democrats seek to criminalize what are essentially policy differences, particularly over conduct of the war on terrorism

Commie Propaganda

It never ends. Or is it just more leftist optimism in their doomed cause, like the kind that made the moron Dems in the Senate write the "Dear Commandante" letter?

Taking Hits - But Quietly, Slowly, Winning...

Probably one of the most comprehensive articles on Iraq I've seen since the beginning of Op. Iraqi Freedom. He doesn't shy away from the beatings we've taken, but gives a great picture of what's really taking shape...

Hey, What About "Powder?"

"...There are no realistic, sympathetic or heroic characters with albinism that you can find in movies or popular culture."

How Easily the Masses are Swayed... Like Sheep Herded By Dogs Into the Shearer's Pen...

"...readers were asked if Opus Dei had ever carried out a murder. Seventeen percent of readers believe it had, compared with just four percent of non-readers."

What a disappointing survey...

I don't think it's even necessary to address all the dishonesty surrounding the "Code," but in difference to the standard boycott theme, I personally recommend everyone read the book (Hey, it's a good read!), watch the movie, and take a deep retrospective look at understanding your faith. Learning the real facts of biblical history is just the first step. Bearing faith to the witness of the writers of ancient past in honoring the Christian legacy is much more difficult, else we wouldn't be running into these kinds of issues...

38% of New Mexicans will pay $0 or -$ in Taxes in 2006

As is the startling trend in the American tax system today.

So this fall I have to listen to Patricia Madrid mouth-off about how Heather Wilson voted for tax cuts for the rich...what a crock of s**t...

Sad State of Affairs

From the AIM, a report on our failing school system:

"...the aggregate number of college graduates who take up teaching represent the bottom third of scores on the ACT and the SAT."

If we're going to raise teachers' salaries to professional levels (which I think we should), then we also need to require the education level of professionals, for both economic balance and probability of success in the classroom.

Can I get a hooah?!

Tell Your Sister.., You Were Right...

I find the current Iraq case similar to McCarthy's plight - history will prove both were correct...

World Cup Epiphany

I can only see really Tim responding to this one, but oh well :-)

I'm gonna start off by skipping to the US group. I'm gonna flat out predict Czech Republic and United States are gonna advance out of this group. I'm only picking Czechs because frankly Italy has sunk. But otherwise, Czech Republic is the most overrated team in the world. With their rank, you mean to tell me only Brazil can beat them? Bullshit! Germany, Holland, even France I think can beat them. Throw Argentina in the mix too. How the hell does FIFA come up with the Czechs as #2 in the world (and it's been that way for couple of months now)?????? With that? If Czech Republic comes out less than 3-0 in their group, they don't deserve that rank. Period.

Group A: I'm saying Germany and Poland is gonna advance here. Poland by default as the other teams are Ecuador and Costa Rica

Group B: I see Sweden and England. Even with Rooney potentially out, I still think England can at least pull off 2nd place here. Paraguay is lethal and have proven to be lethal since 98 (they have always made it to the Round of 16), but I think the 2 Euro teams, playing on Euro soil, will advance.

Group C: I'm gonna stay safe and pick Argentina and Holland. There's always gonna be the token 1 African team that does well. I would say Drogba and his Ivory Coast but they're in this group (i.e. tough). Although I'd also say Ghana (in the US group) has a good chance too.

Group D: Another "stay safe" one as I'll pick Portugal and Mexico. It'll be interesting to see Angola (Portuguese-descent players) play Portugal. I doubt politics will come into play here as Iran is in this group. Euros are against America, not the Middle East

Group F: Brazil and I'm gonna go wild and say Japan, instead of Croatia. Since 98, Croatia proved nothing to me. Every World Cup has that lucky 3rd or 4th placed team that does well (a "non-powerhouse) and they were that in 98. Since then....*shrugs* what? Nothing. It'll be interesting to see Japan (coached by Brazilian Zico) plays Brazil.

Group G: France....and again, another wild one in South Korea, instead of Switzerland. This would all depend on how the Asian teams are coached and prepared. If they make 0 mistakes, they have a good chance.

Group H: Spain and Ukraine.....

I won't go any further than that, since anything can happen after this stage, but with the way the brackets are, I envision Round of 16 to be (it's fantasy mock time):

Germany vs England (good bye England unfortunately)
Argentina vs Mexico
Sweden vs Poland
Holland vs Portugal
France vs Ukraine
United States vs Japan (yes, don't laugh. I sincerely think the US can pull off 1st in their group. I'm sorry, I really think the Czechs and Italians are overrated. If the US happened to be grouped with say England and France or....Holland then I can't see them doing well)
Brazil vs Czech Republic (ooo wee, #1 vs #2 in the world *rolls eyes*)
Spain vs South Korea (I think the Spaniards will get their revenge here from 2002)

Qtr:
Germany vs Argentina (I can see Germans advancing here, but probably by PK)
Holland vs Sweden
France vs United States (I think US will again be eliminated from qtrfinals this year, thanks to the Frenchies)
Brazil vs Spain (for the millionth time, Spain will get eliminated in the qtrfinals)

Semi:
Germany vs France (like above, I see Germans squeaking by here by PK. This'll be like France in 98 where they barely won all their games, but they pulled it off because of homefield advantage)
Brazil vs Holland

Finals:
yes, I see a 2002 World Cup finals rematch between Brazil and Germany. I can't really pick this one

Growing Disgust Over The "Energy Crisis"

"No doubt we can soon expect a major investigation into the disturbing reports that bears are using our woodlands as a toilet."

"If this is what we can expect from congressional Republicans during a booming economy, heaven help us when the next recession comes."

Amen, Jonah...

Way to go, guys

Man, you'd think that with the perception (in certain corners of the country) of soccer being a fairy/sissy sport, these members of the US Men's National Team wouldn't have agreed to this.

Thanks a lot, guys. FYI, this was before WC '02.

Pro-War Clooney...

..and an interesting comparison between Sudan and Iraq...

Interesting

Democrats suck at sports. Nyaaaaaaah! I really liked having John Kerry trying to look "average" by sucking at sports - football, soccer, and windsurfing (?).

Seriously, maybe this has something to do with the fact that Republicans are typically conservatives, and rewarding achievement is an important part of conservative philosophy - in a nutshell, conservatives want the game to be played correctly (fidelity to systems, my friend), so there must be a winner and a loser. Democrats are liberals who seek to have everybody as equal as possible, so penalizing achievement is an important part of that.

There is no other arena where achievement is so clearly defined as that of the sports world.

Profound Is The Word..

..to describe this article about America's guilty conscience.

Remind Me Never To Become Famous, Let Alone a Famous Conservative

Rush's ordeal is done, at least for the most part. What worries me is how bad our legal system has become...