Historic Win Propels U.S. Into Finals of Confederations Cup

WOW.
What a victory for the U.S. over Spain in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup . If you missed the match, the highlights are above.
What was truly impressive with this performance was more than just the result on the scoresheet (2-0) but the fact that this was a game the U.S. deserved to win and more than held their own against the Spaniards the full 90 minutes and the entire length of the pitch. Landon Donovan officially worked his way out of my doghouse (I am sure a major relief for him), with stellar play in both the defensive end and great setup and distribution of the ball on the offense end of the field. Cap it off with Tim Howard standing on his head in goal for most of the game and you have what one of the best showings for the U.S. team in modern history.
Much debate has been made about where this win ranks among all time victories for the U.S. I put it at No. 3 (with the 1950 World Cup win over England No. 1 and the 2002 win over Mexico in the knockout round in the WC No. 2) all time, and the top non-World Cup win ever. I even rank it above the 1994 WC win over Columbia for the main reason that while the U.S. played their guts out in that match as well they had a) home field advantage and b) an own-goal by Columbia proppel them to victory (for the record I still put the Columbia win in the top 5 along with the win of T&T that put the U.S. in the 1990 WC).
Regardless it was a great win and soccer fans all of the U.S. have something to look forward to this Sunday.

*****UPDATE******
Brazil defeated South Africa on Thursday setting up a rematch for the U.S. from their group match against the Samba. This is another great chance at redemption for the Red, White and Blue and could go a long way in developing this team as an international power and a team to be reckoned with in the 2010 World Cup.

USA vs Spain -- Semifinal Match of Confederations Cup

The U.S. Men's National Team looks to continue it improbably run today in a semi-final match against Spain in the FIFA Cofederations Cup.

The U.S. got to the semis after a 3-0 thumping over Egypt. If that wasn't enough, the U.S. got the much needed perfect score with Brazil thrashing Italy by the same 3-0 score. This perfect storm combination meant there were three teams in the U.S. group with 1-2 records, so the tie-breakers ensued and it come down that the the Red, White and Blue advanced.

Win or lose in this semifinal, it will be a great experience for the younger players on the squad to get to play in such a high-profile match. Just hours before kickoff, I would have personally liked to have seen U.S. coach Bob Bradley go with a younger group in his lineup and rewards those players who played so well against Egypt, but instead we have to rely on veteran players, that so far in this tourney have looked less than impressive, to get the win and advance to the finals.

Highlights and a match re-cap will be posted at the conclusion of the game.

U.S. DoJ Freezes $30 Million of Online Poker Players Money

Much as already been made about the recent actions of the U.S. Department of Justice's efforts to freeze $30 million in player deposits that were sitting in accounts with online financial transaction operators.

The key here is to note that the money was NOT in accounts managed or operated by the online poker rooms but actually companies that serve the poker sites but facilitating the funds for them. Now of course, anyone with half a brain knows that the processors couldn't exist without the sites and the vice versa.

My hope is that this action will finally get players fired up enough to get a grassroots effort going to get serious about regulating the industry once and for all. Up to now the DoJ's actions have been aimed at companies (and you could argue that this is aimed at them again), but this time the players are directly involved as they can't access funds which are legally and properly theirs. If that doesn't fire up a consumer I don't know what would.

Here are some good stories to read about the fallout from the DoJ's actions.

A letter to the editor to the Las Vegas Sun Times

A opinion column written by Chuck Blount of the San Antonio Express-News

Dave Matthews Band Back in STL

The Dave Matthews Band found itself back in St. Louis as part of the first leg of its US tour supporting its new album Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King.

This album is a tribute to the bands former sax player (and founding member) LeRoi Moore. Critics have said the album is reminiscent of the bands roots. I have had the album since its release date and as a die-hard DMB fan I think it is one of their finest works yet.

The band was back in St. Louis last night (6.17.09) for a show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (probably the worst venue in all of St. Louis for a show). The last time DMB was in St. Louis was for a June '08 show of historic significance in that it was the first concert at the new Busch Stadium.

For those that are interested, here is the set list from last night's show:

– “Pantala Naga Pampa”

– “Rapunzel”

– “Shake Me Like a Monkey”

– “Funny the Way It Is”

– “Typical Situation”

– “Anyone Seen the Bridge”

– “Too Much” (Fake)

– “Lie in Our Graves”

– “Seven”

– “Corn Bread”

– “Best of What’s Around”

– “Crush”

– “Why I Am”

– “Dreaming Tree”

– “Grey Street”

– “Dive In”

– “Shotgun” (tease)

– “Squirm”

– “Time Bomb”

Encore

– “#40″

– “You and Me”

– “All Along the Watchtower”

Was Artie Lange Out of Line?

First things first, I am a Joe Buck fan, and in full disclosure I know who Artie Lange is and use to watch him on Stern, but other than that, I have no real opinion on him.

While Joe is from St. Louis, I have never had any personal interactions with him. I have been at the same function as him numerous times but the stars have never been aligned for us to ever talk, even briefly.

So much of STL was eagerly awaiting the debut of the Joe Buck Show on HBO Monday night. Buck had booked Brett Farve as his top guest and the interview was superficial for the most part but Joe was very good. 

I was enjoying the show and then for the last segment Joe brought on Artie Lange to be a part of a panel discussion. A train wreck ensued and while I thought Artie had some funny lines Joe clearly was uncomfortable with the direction the show was going. Even in that light I thought Joe handled himself well. Other hosts might have taken the bait and sunk the entire ship, Joe was able to at least keep it afloat. 

Way too much has been made of this in the media so I will keep it brief, but what else would people expect when you mix premium cable (i.e. HBO) with a comic who has made his name as a cast member on the Howard Stern Show?

HBO has taken the clips of the show off of YouTube but the program will be reairing this month on HBO, I would suggest you check it out if you can. If you can't read Joe's take courtesy of SI.com.  

FOLLOW UP:

The saga continued today on the Mad Dog show on Sirius  radio:

Cleveland HiBore XLS Drivers Rock

I played in a golf tournament over the weekend and I was able to bring out my new Cleveland HiBore XLS driver and I have to say that it kicks butt.

I bought the new driver over the winter after playing a round with a friend who had one. I needed a new driver so we let me hit a few off the tee with his and I felt like it was a good fit for me.

These drivers use some new technology from a company that has long been known in golf circles for their excellent wedges and irons. I have no idea if these club is making in-roads on the tour, but it is a very forgiving club and one that I would recommend it for anyone. Go to your local pro shop and hit a few or check them out online here.

Inaugural Post

More for the historic significance of it than anything, I wanted to put an intro/inaugural post for my new blog. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit the site and check out the links. This blog is designed to be a free-flowing form and exchange of ideas and opinions from those who read it. 

Some days you might find insight/opinions on sports and events in the news while others you might find a review of a new restaurant, wine, movie, book or anything else that I find of interest. Still other days you mind find a little bit of everything. I will be commenting on things I see going on in my professional life as an online marketer for www.shoes.com or  in my personal life in the lovely midwest of the U.S. 

Bookmark this page or sign up for the RSS feed as there will always be something fresh and new to keep your interest peaked. If you don't like what you see on Tuesday, chances are pretty good you will be interested in what is posted on Wednesday as about the only thing that will be a certainty with this blog is that you never know what will come next.