Jim R

us (as in "What ever happened to us?") other people (as in "I think we should see other people") you BASTARD!

Secret Agent Man Wonder Woman Captain Nice

a lass Poor Yorick him

Honest Abe Best, George Policy, Carmen

Pleasure, King The Pleasure Kings The Mambo Kings

I would sooner bathe in Goo-Gone than take a deep whiff of WD-40.

Roman Gabriel Joe Blow Joe Horn

Vada Pinson Veda Buckland Vida Blue

Right, and this goes back to about 1969, I think (15 years before that Chicago recording). That was a huge hit, and I see that a lot of other artists have used the phrase in different songs (Janet Jackson comes up big in a Google search). I'm wondering now, though, where/when that phrase really originated (whether in song or otherwise...).

Lowe, Rob Down, Leslie-Ann Dirty Dingus McGhee

Ghana showed that they're a pretty good possession team with good build-up in the attack, but mediocre finishing. I don't blame Brazil for playing that counter game... absorb the attacks, take advantage of a foolish offside trap, and win going away. They could have definitely played prettier in midfield possession, I'll admit. Before I say anything else about the France/Spain match, I would say that France definitely earned this win. They capitalized on their opportunities, just as Brazil had done. Ribery looked far better than the last time I saw him. As the game developed, I was getting disgusted with Henry's play. His talent was going to waste due to his sitting in an offside position over and over. I hate that... he's plenty talented still to play it even and not cheat (and waste so many attacks). When I saw the replay of the foul on Puyol (the play where he was carded for elbowing Henry), I was further disgusted. An arm to the chest, and Henry goes down holding his face. That kind of shit is what can completely ruin a game. Maybe it would have this time, if it hadn't happened in the 83rd minute. One thing about a player like Brian McBride (and call it naive if you want), you won't see that kind of shit from him. Puyol did cut him off (didn't play the ball), so I suppose the card was fair. The fact that Vieira got the goal off the ensuing free kick... well, France earned that fairly. Spain looked like a potential winnner after 45 minutes, but France was too smart for them in the second half. On the play where Ribery sent Henry behind Puyol, the french midfield had clustered to totally clog up Spain's attack, and Ribery's interception and quick pass were just what France needed. Puyol should have realized that he had a teammate running onto that ball, tracking back from the left flank. The foul was unnecessary. Congratulations to France.

I had forgotten about that (last heard it mentioned in the U.S. / Ghana match). I wish I could remember what Essien's two yellows looked like. I must admit I was glad to see him get the second one, but I was biased at that particular time. Now I'm wondering whether he really ought to be in action today (and yes, that's another shot at the refs in the first round).

Tom McCann Buster Brown Willie Shoemaker

Hmmm... not sure Holland need to call this to anyone's attention. Probably just their way of continuing to express their disgust, and not let people forget about it too quickly. England's players would do well to ignore Portugal's gamesmanship to the fullest extent, and hope for a decent ref. If they don't get a decent ref, then all bets are off. That's largely why it's hard to blame the dutch for getting into "the act" (I still have to put some blame on them, but one has to wonder what other choice they had). Clearly, that ref and his assistants did not see things well, or saw things and foolishly ignored them. The dirty play by Simao which I mentioned above (kicking van der Sar in the face when he knew he had no chance for that loose ball) is a perfect example. Come to think of it, van der Sar didn't play dead... he got up, ran to the top of the box with the ball, and delivered an elbow in the general direction of Simao's head. Way to go, Edwin!

Classy post, Kenny. At the very least your Aussies deserved another 30 minutes. I'd say the Ukraine is still somewhat of a minnow in the pond as it stands now. I would have liked to see Ghana do further damage, but not against Brazil. I like to see surprises and underdogs overachieving, but I like Brazil (I think most people do... how can you not?) You're preachin' to the choir there! I saw a statistic today (not certain if it's accurate, but...) after 53 matches, there had been 297 yellow cards. I've forgotten the number of reds, but both were records. 297... that's 5.6 per match.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco Mel Blanc Foghorn Leghorn

He's no Philippe Cousteau, but he's pretty good.

Great idea. Until it happens, here's a recommendation for something to hold you over: Came out a long time ago, so maybe it's old news to some of you. At any rate, there arent too many organ trios who have gone that route, but the potential is obviously there.

Maxwell Smart Robert Wise Einstein

Well, I had to go out during the Switzerland/Ukraine match, so I taped it and watched it later... after I was good and tired. Can you imagine how hard it was for me to stay awake? I'm not even sure why I tried. Anyway, I made it... all the way to the last ... -_- ... oh, sorry- I dozed off for a second. All the way to the last PK. WOW, what a thrilling exhibition of... ... hmm... was it football? At least this one was relatively clean, and the referee wasn't pressured into making dumb decisions. For that, I'm thankful. I agree that Ghana need to get off to a good start tomorrow. They looked very poised and skillful in their win over the Czechs, but we'll see if they can maintain that kind of concentration and possession against Brazil. Even if they do, I expect it will be difficult for them to score goals. Spain/France... hmmm... which France will show up? They can do it, I'm sure... maybe I should root for France because they have more gray hairs like me. I just hope it will be a fine and fair display. Best wishes to the fans here from each side! Oh, and don't let the emotion get you carried away afterward! (PLEASE, God... no PK's)

Just watched another repeat. It was not a penalty, just a "beautiful" dive by the Italian. Hans, I have to agree with you. I agree with that too... he could have jumped over the tackle.

Sunny Stormy Windy

At the risk of beating this into the ground, my point is that O'Neill takes a big risk (that a foolish ref would essentially give the game to Italy with zero time left) by sliding. Even if he remains on his feet and can't do anything to stop the Italian attacker, what are the odds that Italy scores? I don't know the exact answer, only that the odds of Italy scoring from the spot are higher. Wouldn't Australia have had time to get some defenders back in front of the keeper on that play? (I invite opinions, as I didn't notice on the replays I saw).

Still, for me the ref is the one who we should be shaking our heads at. In a game of that magnitude, to give a gift like that with no time left...