Weekly Whatever - USA Soccer Edition

I promise you, there is no initiative at ESPN to talk more soccer. If that was the case, all the radio shows would be ‘beating the drum.’ I have simply, in recent months, found myself more interested in it. It’s similar to people suddenly finding an interest in different things in their lives. I read business books any chance I get, as they discuss the global economy, and how it’s evolving. I find global sports more captivating now, simple as that. Nobody has ever asked me to talk more soccer, period.
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Nobody I talked to was surprised that the United States lost to Mexico. They had a great run last month and nobody can ever take that away from them, but they aren’t one of the premier soccer programs in the world. they’ll beat the teams they are supposed to beat in the upcoming World Cup, but don’t expect them to take win the tourney.

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I’ve always had a belief that smart people consume smarter things, from food to television to the arts. Therefore, smart people get smarter over time. When that happens, they only separate further from less educated people who make poorer consumption choices. So the gap only widens over time and there’s virtually nothing you can do about it. No governmental program helps. So my point is; the older the country, the more the gap widens. This recession has only widened the gap and with greater velocity. The poor get the worst of it, while the shrewd and smarter consumers are not only safe, but buyers, in an otherwise ’sellers’ market. And their buying at discount prices, from the poor, who are selling out of desperation.
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Texas has many great qualities as a state, but it’s been over 100 degrees in Austin for two months. No thanks. I’ll take a damp summer any time. I lived in Vegas for seven years and the summers just wore me out. I don’t think you ever get used to 109 degrees.
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I’m not sure if it was like this in my parent’s generation, but why does everything have to be so damn political? If I have an opinion, it doesn’t have to be based in liberal ideology. Maybe I just feel some way based on personal experience. It seems to get worse over time too. Once people hit 50, two things happen, they increase the number of tomatoes they eat and everything becomes a conservative/liberal debate. It’s tedious.
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When I was younger, the three best baseball cities in America were arguably Baltimore, Kansas City and Cincinnati. They had great teams, great players and great fans. Today, all three are hopeless bottom feeders. Yea, baseball’s in great shape. Keep convincing yourself of that, baseball purists. Outside of the Yankees/Red Sox games, no other ESPN non playoff baseball telecast can even muster a 1.5 rating.
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Some things never get old. Milk, ovaltine, ice, a banana, and a scoop of ice cream made the best milkshake 30 years ago. My kids can’t wait for them today.
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Urban Meyer really gets it. He says he will play the Gators back-up quarterback several times this season, even in close games. He’s sending a message to recruits. Even though we’re loaded, you will get on the field early, even if you’re behind a star. I said it when he signed with Florida and still believe it; He’s just sharper than everyone else in the SEC.