I had a busy day yesterday. I saw Italy-Ukraine in what was a really poor World Cup quarterfinal. Then it was over to see Mr. Mix and Maggie at Great Lakes Brewing. We got to sit oustide and if I hadn't had such a headstart on beer, I may have been able to have more. But everything was good, as usual.

Then we went to the Happy Dog where we were able to see the end of the Indians game, and hence, the season, as Wicky Wicky Bob gave up a grand slam in the ninth to finish us off. Pieces parts on the team are starting to be dumped and that will continue. It's already Wait Til Next Year and that's in doubt, as the division is the strongest it's been in years.

Meal of Links

David Hasselhoff injures himself shaving. Seeks Barry Manilow for "unlikely story" advice.

I don't mind that the Japanese PM is an Elvis fan, but did he have to let everyone know. "At the time of his death, if he were on Jupiter, Elvis would've weighed six-hundred and forty-eight pounds."

The Tour de France started today. No Lance. And no dopers. Allegedly.

World Cup Photo of the Day










"Having said that, Pierre, if we lose, I am blaming Bush."

Exercise Yard

Here's where the crying, or maybe rioting, starts at the World Cup. We went to the Old Angle to see England-Portugal this morning, and a big crowd filed in. Wayne Rooney gets sent off for England by stepping on a guy where you're not supposed to step. The game ends at 0-0 and goes to kicks. England goes out as Portugal wins 3-1 on PKs. England scored only one PK, and had many bad misses (Lampard, ugh!), as they have a terrible history of losing when kicks are involved.

Portugal takes on France, as the frogs upset Brazil, 1-0. Brazil-France always brings back memories of 1986 for me. The great Brazilian, Zico, missing a penalty, and the French keeper Joel Bats playing out of his mind to win it. Today's game was not as epic, but stamps France as a contender.

Things we learned today:

Luis Felipe Scolari, the Portugal coach, reminds me of Keenan Wynn.

The Old Angle serves its Bloodies with a shot of Guinness, which is mighty tasty, I'd say. Good grilled cheese, as well.

ABC showed an English fan, after the loss, who may not have moved from his spot at a Wimbledon pub yet.

You shouldn't have "Get a job" and "Get a life" as answers in the same non-themed crossword.

I need to have my sunglasses with me when I leave a bar during the day.

As a leftover from yesterday, be wary of those who are afraid of pickles.

Posh Spice and Ashley Cole's girlfriend got the loudest cheers when they appeared on screen during England's match.

Don't discount Portugal's chances of winning this thing.

Only four World Cup matches left, including an Independence Day match of Germany and Italy.

Mick Jagger was at the game. Think he called Amazing Tickets?

The Tribe sucks.

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32 Across: "Love Me or Leave Me" singer Ruth (7 letters) Answer: Etting