Jim R

Willie McCovey Reggie Jackson Hank Aaron

So, I was listening to the version from Dexter/Slide's "A Day In Copenhagen" yesterday, and I almost immediately wondered if I had other versions of this tune, because it sounded so familiar (and I don't play this recording all the time). I don't have any other versions under that title in my collection. Then I began to wonder if there could be any chance it was recorded (by other musicians) under a different title, which is of course not a rare thing in jazz. The tune has a quality (for me, at least), that makes if feel SO damned familiar. I actually wondered whether it had not only another title, but if it could be a fairly famous other title. Another possibility is that there's a song that's legitimately different in melody and chord structure, but very very similar (?). I've since been searching for possibilities, but have basically come up empty. One thing I did was search Youtube for any references that might come up in people's comments, etc. I found two videos of bands playing the tune - one all-state high school band, and one UNC Summer Jazz Workshop (pretty good, I must say). Did this tune really gain that much notoriety based on the "Day In Copenhagen" recording alone? Are there other well-known recordings under the original title (by other bands)? I looked at Slide's discography, and the only other recording HE did was a private recording. Why does this tune sound so familiar to me, despite it appearing on only on album in my entire collection? Does it strike anybody else this way?

I heard at least one or two commentators calling Goetze's goal "impossible to defend". It was definitely beautifully taken, but for Argentina's central defenders to just let him run free was a real lapse at that point, with people in positions to have marked him. I too was surprised by Messi being awarded the golden ball. Not that he wasn't good in several games, but the prize seemed generous (and convenient, seeing as he was on the premises and ready for a nice consolation award). I think this was a great tournament overall, compared to many that I've seen. Even if the only improvement over the past couple of tournaments had been the big reduction in yellows and reds, I would have been significantly impressed. There are always going to be ref errors and sometimes a game or two negatively affected by them, but I would give the officiating very high marks in general. But we also got plenty of high quality action, teams willing to play open games against superior opponents, and plenty of suspense. Before this 2014 final was played, I couldn't help but think about the 1990 final between these same teams, and the excessive unsporting behavior and complaining (by the Argentinians in particular) that occurred. These current players showed a lot more class and composure, which was good to see in a final. I'm also very very glad that the game was won by a goal scored during the run of play. As extra time advanced, I was dreading another PK shootout until Super Mario got his goal. Congratulations to Germany.

Everyone (including Portugal) who have played Germany is looking better in retrospect. But I think this game was more about how bad Brazil were, as opposed to how good Germany were. Germany were certainly sharp and clinical, but Brazil played like amateurs today (and that's not just my opinion, as I also heard it from Gilberto Silva, Arrigo Sacchi, and others). It was just shocking, as well as disappointing for all fans who looked forward to a good contest. Let's hope that tomorrow's game will provide something that will live up to the setting of a World Cup semi-final.

Billy Wilder Joe Wilder James West

Agree with all of that, and would just add that "injustices" of the kind you refer to are not all that rare, just as in life. That doesn't mean any rules were broken. The Costa Ricans did earn that penalty shootout by preventing a potent Holland attack from scoring for 120 minutes. Fair enough. There is a wide level of disagreement about this around the world, and everyone has a right to their own view.

Just in case you don't understand, when I used the term "class" (or in this case, the lack thereof) in relation to Krul's behavior, it was not in the common football/soccer usage of the term, where it refers to skill/talent/consistency/ratings/etc. Taking a defensive strategy and attacking on the counter in order to try to advance against a superior opponent (as most anyone would agree the Dutch were, ahead of this match) in a knockout situation at a World Cup is a completely legitimate choice of action. Calling that "cowardly" shows very little... well... class.

Krul said nothing more than that he knew where they were going to put the ball. I know what he said, and I know the assumption is that what he said helped him to stop the shots. It doesn't matter what he said. He showed no class, and that tarnishes things for me. Fantastic performance by Krul otherwise, and kudos to Van Gaal for his strategy.

? That's not how it works, of course. They would have been distraught, and their mindset much different. Maybe James would have consoled them. Probably not... but would anybody have expected him to do so? That's kind of the point here. It was an unusually sporting gesture.

Nice photo and sporting sentiments but it's just a shame their team didn't treat him better during the match rather than trry and kick him out of it Well, that match was allowed to get rough from both sides. Aside from the foul that caused Neymar's injury, I don't recall anything particularly egregious in terms of the quality of the fouls. It was the quantity that became the issue, and it went both ways.

VERY impressed by Krul's performance on the goal line. Not impressed by his overt gamesmanship as the Costa Ricans were placing the ball on the spot before shooting. Our commentators denounced these actions, and I fully agree. Very low class behavior, in a world cup where things have generally been classier than ever.* * One of my favorite moments so far in the entire tournament was when David Luiz and Dani Alves embraced James Rodriguez after Brazil's win over Colombia, consoled him for an extended period of time, and gestured with their hands that this was a wonderful young star to be celebrated, even in defeat. It was above and beyond the "call of duty" to demonstrate that kind of respect and sportsmanship. So unfortunate to see Neymar injured and out of the tournament. I think Brazil are still good (and deep) enough to overcome that, but of course it will be much more difficult now. I think I will be rooting for Brazil to win the trophy, which would be a wonderful celebration to witness. With the stories and history dating back to the 1950 loss to Uruguay, the unfortunate saga of Barbosa, and even the more recent struggles of Julio Cesar, I would just like to see them find a happy ending this time.

I wonder if Wilmots will regret leaving Lukaku off for so long. The Belgian wings looked sterile for most of the match, and the strategy of playing high balls toward the big targets late in the game looked so promising. I also thought that they were far too passive in terms of allowing Messi and Higuain to hold the ball up unchallenged and waste the clock in transition (throughout most of the game, after the goal had been scored), allowing the Argentines to re-organize and build their slow attacks. With very few chances for an equalizer created by Belgium, their urgency should have ramped up much earlier than it did. They also should have paid more attention to remaining onside when Argentina's defenders were playing their traps as crosses were released. Generally speaking, though, the football gods just seemed to be smiling on Argentina today. Numerous deflections bounced in favor of the South Americans, including one that set up Higuain's goal, and one where he later hit the crossbar.

A rather sloppy match between France and Germany, and disappointing in terms of excitement, but much respect to both teams for playing a good clean game overall.

Ethel Kennedy Vin Diesel Garrison Fewell

I don't know if I'd use the term "liability", but Bradley has definitely been sub-par thus far. It's a major discussion point on soccer forums, and I even heard Darke and Twellman (during the ESPN broadcast of the Germany match) refer to the chatter about him being benched, or possibly re-positioned in the midfield structure. He's been playing higher than he did during much of qualifying, and despite his history of being able to generate offense in more advanced positions, it's just not happening right now. His touch has been off, and it's hard to know what the problem is. He's never been a guy who lacks in confidence, and he has plenty of experience on this stage. Anyway, I'm hoping for improvement (soon!), because the idea of taking him off the field is pretty much unthinkable. Then again, Klinsmann has already provided us with numerous surprises over the past several weeks, so you never know. Most of those who want him benched are asking for Mix Diskerud. Talented kid, but relatively inexperienced, and not nearly the physical presence that Bradley is.

This might be an interesting thing to get into a bit more deeply. I have no particular stance on this as it relates to the U.S., and would be curious to know how others look at it (and in fact, what the term "naive" might specifically mean to different people in this context). When the subject comes up, the first thing that comes to mind for me is an idealistic view that the sport can gradually evolve away from the aforementioned issues related to flopping, diving and simulating, and cheating in general. That particular area of discussion is always going to involve significant subjectivity (and potentially some ruffled feathers if we attempt to put more blame on certain teams/nations), but I think the ideal of cleaning up the sport and its reputation is entirely worthwhile. In terms of avoiding the opportunities to fool referees and gain unfair advantages, I'm actually very proud of the U.S. team, and I always admire players and teams that avoid it.

I think the gap has been narrowing for years. The group stage draw between the two sides in 2010 surprised many people, but some weren't so surprised. Anyway, to be fair to England, it's hard to compare the two teams directly, since they played different opponents in this tournament, and of course it's also hard to say that one team is better than another based on a few games in a compressed period of time. Luck comes into play with such a small sample size. I don't think England are necessarily as bad as some say, and I don't think the U.S. are necessarily as good. We benefited hugely from Pepe's moment of bad judgement vs Germany, and the eventual 4-0 thrashing. Just as in 2002, the U.S. needed help to sneak into the round of 16. I might be singing a slightly different tune if we hadn't allowed that equalizer vs Portugal and been on six points coming into today's game, but the fact remains that we needed Portugal's help, just as we did in 2002. At present, I think the current U.S. team is over-achieving a bit thanks to Herr Klinsmann. I think we have had more talented teams in the past (2010, 2002, and perhaps even 2006 and 1994), and what the 2014 edition has done thus far is largely about team spirit, mentality, confidence, and coaching tactics. Our actual talent is rather spotty. Today's match vs Germany is a good example. Our midfield was generally awful, and included two or three players that probably would not have made some previous world cup rosters. Landon Donovan would have made this team significantly better, and I agree with those who say that leaving him off the roster was an enormous mistake.

No, you are right on the money here. Uruguay joined in on the flopping and simulating, but it was Italy (and Chiellini was more guilty than anybody) that started that unfortunate but all too familiar charade. Suarez is despicable, and I think a lifetime ban is deserved and probably overdue, but I don't feel the least bit sorry for Chiellini. In terms of flopping and simulating elsewhere in this tournament, it hasn't been too noticeable or excessive to my eyes, with one unfortunate exception. Holland's Robben vs Chile. He's such a fine player, and that game was enough in Holland's control that he really disappointed me by resorting to that.

A rather uninspiring opening match today. I've been watching world cups since 1974, so I'm not naive, but what Fred did still disappoints me. More of the media scorn ought to be aimed at Fred instead of the referee. Fortunately, I think that the Brazilians would have prevailed anyway, so the controversy is less of an issue than it might have been. Thought most of the Croatians played very well.

Interesting viewpoint. Most of the analysis I've heard is suggesting that the U.S. needs to get a win vs Ghana, and then try to get a point from the Portugal match. I tend to think that is the most realistic way to look at things. Either way, it's going to be difficult. Ghana ousted us in 2006 and 2010, and of course were unfortunate not to become a major story in 2010. They're even more experienced now, and with their line-up, they will be a handful for anybody. Ronaldo may be less than 100% fit, but I would guess the issue is being exaggerated. He looked pretty fit to my eyes, vs Ireland. Unless the heat and humidity of Manaus somehow becomes an advantage for us in that second group match, I think that even a draw will be very difficult. After what happened in 2002, I don't think that Portugal will be taking this game lightly.

Well, this hasn't exactly been a hot topic of discussion. Now that it's almost here, is anybody interested? I think (as a USA fan) I'm still too much in shock from the draw to be very optimistic. I'm still excited to watch, though.

Good one. The image was also used on this:

Yes, and... that's not a "guy".

Bob & Carol & Alice

Rick Steves James Reece Europe Fred Travalena