The World Cup Day 18

To be honest I expected these two games to be less than exciting. I thought France and Germany would move on with little strain. Wrong again.

I have to admit the French looked a tad lethargic but that would be taking credit away from Nigeria who played tough. The French finally broke through late in regulation scoring once and bouncing a ball off a Nigerian defender for 2-0 win.

Then we had Germany v. Algeria. I was starting to look up the schedule of trains to Munich because it was that intense. The Germans looked sluggish but I suspect a lot of that had to do with the Algerian defense being all over them.

Finally Germany managed a goal in the second minute of overtime. They appeared to put it away with a second goal in extra time but Algeria wasn't finished quite yet. They managed a score with less than a minute remaining making the final 2-1.

The play of the Nigerian and Algerian sides today epitomized what's great about the World Cup. They both came so close, so close, to turning the Futball world on its ear.

After three days of the round of 16 (my picks bold, winners in italics).

Brazil v. Chile
Netherlands v. Mexico
Columbia v. Uruguay
Coata Rica v. Greece
France v. Nigeria
Argentina v. Switzerland
Germany v. Algeria
Belgium v. USA

So, it'll be Germany v. France on Friday. July 4th along with Brazil v. Columbia. So, especially if, as expected, the US loses tomorrow, we'll be hearing about the Harald Shumacher collision with Patrick Battiston in the 1982 semi-final match between the two teams (yes, 1982 again) constantly over the next couple of days.

I don't call it a foul because, despite the violence of the collision, no foul was called.

If the US manages to win, that will of course dominate the news here in the US and pretty much go unnoticed by the rest of the world.

Ok, so I'm 6-0. Argentina v. Switzerland is my wise guy pick. I'm hoping the Swiss can work some magic tomorrow. As for Belgium and the US, all logic says that Belgium is a fairly safe pick but hey, that's why you have to play the game.

The quarter-final round is going to be really tough. So far we have:

Brazil v. Columbia
France v. Germany
Netherlands v. Costa Rica

If I get both games right tomorrow, I might just retire while I'm way ahead. The reality of the situation though is I already know who I would pick in those three games.

The World Cup Day 17

Wow, just wow. In the 88th minute Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands simply smashed a goal kick rebound into the net and the Dutch won it in extra time on a penalty kick 2-1.

In the second game, with 24 minutes left and a 1-0 lead, Costa Rica was reduced to 10 men when Oscar Duarte got his second yellow card of the game. Costa Rica managed to hold off Greece until the 1st minute of extra time when Greece tied the score 1-1.

Costa Rica then managed to hold off 30 minutes of overtime pressure and go on to win in penalty kicks 5-3. Talk about cardiac kids.

After two days of the round of 16 (my picks bold, winners in italics).

Brazil v. Chile
Netherlands v. Mexico
Columbia v. Uruguay
Coata Rica v. Greece
France v. Nigeria
Argentina v. Switzerland
Germany v. Algeria
Belgium v. USA

So after two days I'm 4-0. Excuse me while I go and polish my four leaf clover because I could have easily been 1-3.

So, where do I think we're headed? I don't know. I have to take a good look at France playing in the South American heat.

I think Columbia v. Brazil is going to be an absolutely fascinating game. My other big question mark is Argentina v. Switzerland. I hemmed and hawed a lot on that one before ultimately going with the Swiss but this is by far the game I have the least confidence in.

So that means it'll probably be the only one of the last four games I get right. No way that happens. If Germany loses to Algeria I'll make like it's 1982 and hop the next train to Munich.

KFC and the Scarred Little Girl

It was the kind of thing that could get your blood boiling. A 3-year old Mississippi girl named Victoria, severely scarred by an attack from her grandfather's pit bulls, was asked by an employee as a Jackson Mississippi KFC restaurant to leave because her appearance was scaring the other customers.

Her grandmother, Kelly Mullins had just ordered the little girl mashed potatoes because they were soft when she was told the girl's appearance was disturbing other customers and they were asked to leave.

The nation was shocked, the Internet was shocked, even KFC was shocked and pledged a full investigation plus $30,000 to help pay for Victoria's medical bills by way of apology.

GoFundMe set up a site to collect donations and collected over $132,000. The family set up a Victoria's Victories facebook page.

We all waited for justice to descend upon the foul perpetrators of this outrage.

Then, a slight cloud appeared on the horizon. The Leader-Call in Laurel Mississippi printed a story casting doubt that the incident ever occurred but used anonymous sources.

When the results of the two KFC investigations, including one by an independent investigator, were made public it turned out that neither came up with any evidence that the incident happened.

Then the Victoria's Victories facebook page disappeared after a post saying "I promise its not a hoax, I never thought any of this would blow up the way it has. ... Please do not believe untrue media. I have personally watched this family go without to provide for Victoria. They have not and would not do anything to hurt Victoria in any way."

GoFundMe has suspended the collection page and offered refunds to anyone who feels duped by the family. KFC appears ready to stand by its $30,000 pledge regardless of whether the story is true or not.

The family's attorney made the following statement, "Victoria's family appreciates the actions of KFC in their investigation of this matter...It is deeply disappointing that other parties have taken opportunity to attack Victoria through social and news media outlets. Victoria is an innocent child with very real physical and emotional scars.”

This is sort of a strange statement. No one is blaming the kid. Regardless of what went down she's clearly innocent and not a 3-year old criminal mastermind.

So what do I think? I honestly don't know. People under stress have been known to do some pretty stupid things but I just don't have enough information.

Regardless of whether the story is true or night, the child is innocent and still needs money for medical expenses. Hopefully most of the money collected will go into a trust fund for that purpose. I'm sure a local bank would be more than happy to administer it.

The World Cup Day 16

Brazil wins it by the skin of their teeth by penalty kicks 3-2 after playing to a 1-1 draw with Chile. Columbia handles Uruguay 2-0.

After one day of the round of 16 (my picks bold, winners in italics).

Brazil v. Chile
Netherlands v. Mexico
Columbia v, Uruguay
Coata Rica v. Greece
France v. Nigeria - France
Argentina v. Switzerland
Germany v. Algeria
Belgium v. USA

After one day, I'm 2-0. Only three more to outdo that drunken chimpanzee.

The World Cup Day 15

The US advances despite a 1-0 loss to Germany because Portugal knocked off Ghana 2-1. So I pick up Germany and get a miss because Portugal is eliminated. In Group H Algeria came back to tie Russia so they'll advance with Belgium. I miss on that one too.

The standings at the completion of the Group round.

Completed Groups
Group A: Brazil (7), Mexico (7), Croatia (3), Cameroon (0)
Group B: Netherlands (9), Chile (6), Spain (3), Australia (0)
Group C: Columbia (6), Greece (1), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (1)
Group D: Costa Rica (7), Uruguay (6), Italy (3), England (1)
Group E: France (7), Switzerland (6),  Ecuador (4), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (9), Nigeria (4), Bosnia-Herzegovina (3), Iran (1)
Group G: Germany (7), United States (5), Portugal (4), Ghana (1)
Group H: Belgium (9), Algeria (4), Russia (2), South Korea (1)

So I managed 12-4. That's not too bad.

So, on to the round of 16 when the orangutans and chimpanzees will get their chance for vengeance. Here we go.

Brazil v. Chile - Brazil
Netherlands v. Mexico - Netherlands
Columbia v, Uruguay - Columbia
Coata Rica v. Greece - Costa Rica
France v. Nigeria - France
Argentina v. Switzerland - Switzerland
Germany v. Algeria - Germany
Belgium v. USA - Belgium

The World Cup Day 14

Well, I got exactly what I needed in Group F. Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Iran 3-1 and Nigeria kept it close against Argentina 3-2. That means Nigeria will advance with Argentina.

In Group E I got exactly what I needed as well. France and Ecuador tied 0-0 while Switzerland beat Honduras 3-0 so both France and Switzerland will advance.

The standings after fourteen days (teams which have clinched moving on to the knockout round are in italics):

Completed Groups
Group A: Brazil (7), Mexico (7), Croatia (3), Cameroon (0)
Group B: Netherlands (9), Chile (6), Spain (3), Australia (0)
Group C: Columbia (6), Greece (1), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (1)
Group D: Costa Rica (7), Uruguay (6), Italy (3), England (1)
Group E: France (7), Switzerland (6),  Ecuador (4), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (9), Nigeria (4), Bosnia-Herzegovina (3), Iran (1)

Groups with Games Remaining
Group G: Germany (4), United States (4), Ghana (1), Portugal (1)
Group H: Belgium (6), Algeria (3), Russia (1), South Korea (1)

So, I'm starting to look a lot smarter than your average chimpanzee. Of the first 6 groups I picked 10 of the 12 teams to advance. I also have Belgium which has clinched a spot so the absolute worst I can do is 11 right. But that won't happen because Germany is not getting eliminated tomorrow so a minimum of 12 looks pretty good.

As for the last two spots, I doubt Portugal can climb out of the hole they're in so either Ghana or the US advances so no help there. I'm hoping Russia beats Algeria though which would give me 13 out of 16 which isn't too shabby.

While I was Writing about Utah...

While I was writing about Utah, a Federal Court in Indiana struck down that state's ban on gay marriage.

The right wing nut jobs are going absolutely bonkers.

According to Tony Perkins this is all Obama's fault. Exactly how that works out is a bit beyond me but they blame Obama for everything they don't like.

Jeff Allen, an Indiana based pastor, said "Federal courts in Utah and Indiana on Wednesday blatantly overthrew the will of the people and subversively imposed same sex marriage on the citizens of both states."

I suppose pointing out that the rights of citizens under the Constitution are not subject to popular vote would be a waste of time wouldn't it?

Allen thinks that "elected leaders and Christians" should "defiantly rise up and engage in civil disobedience."

Knock yourself out dude. While you're defiantly risen up, read a book on civics to understand how stuff actually works.

Utah and the Tenth Circuit

The Tenth Circuit court literally reduced to kindling the shaky edifice that was Utah's defense of its gay marriage prohibition struck down by the district court.

"We hold that the Fourteenth Amendment protects the fundamental right to marry, establish a  family, raise children, and enjoy the full protection of a state’s marital laws. A state may  not deny the issuance of a marriage license to two persons, or refuse to recognize their marriage, based solely upon the sex of the persons in the marriage union."

The state advanced four justifications for banning same sex marriage contending that it furthers the state's interest by:

(1) “fostering a child-centric marriage culture that encourages parents to subordinate their own interests to the needs of their children”;
(2) “children being raised by their biological mothers and fathers—or at least by a married mother and father—in a stable home”;
(3) “ensuring adequate reproduction”;
(4) “accommodating religious freedom and reducing the potential for civic strife.”

The court immediately made the point that the first three are in fact all based upon a "link between marriage and procreation."

The court then went on to say:

"The common thread running through each of appellants’ first three arguments is the claim that allowing same-sex couples to marry “would break the critical conceptual link between marriage and procreation.”

"The challenged restrictions on the right to marry and on recognition of otherwise valid marriages, however, do not differentiate between procreative and non-procreative couples. Instead, Utah citizens may choose a spouse of the opposite sex regardless of the pairing’s procreative capacity. The elderly, those medically unable to conceive, and those who exercise their fundamental right not to have biological children are free to marry and have their out-of-state marriages recognized in Utah, apparently without breaking the “conceptual link between marriage and procreation.”

In other words, just cut the crap already.

As for the fourth justification:

"Appellants contend that a prohibition on same-sex marriage 'is essential to preserving social harmony in the State' and that allowing same-sex couple to marry 'would create the potential for religion related strife.'"

I find it incredible that they actually put this on the table. Obviously they're as delusional as Tony Perkins and the morons that thought they were going to get 10 million people to show up to force Obama out of office.

"Even assuming that appellants are correct in predicting that some substantial degree of discord will follow state recognition of same-sex marriage, the Supreme Court  has repeatedly held that public opposition cannot provide cover for a violation of  fundamental rights."

In other words, screw you, bring it on.

I can hear the Religious Freedom howls already from the wing nuts. But the court also said this:

"We also emphasize, as did the district court, that today’s decision relates solely to  civil marriage."

"Plaintiffs must be accorded the same legal status presently granted to married couples, but religious institutions remain as free as they always have been to practice their sacraments and traditions as they see fit."

Stack up one more precedent for the good guys on the road to the Supreme Court.

The World Cup Day 13

Day 13 was unlucky for Italy as they lost to Uruguay and were eliminated. In the other Group D game los Ticos and England played to a 0-0 draw. Uruguay will advance with Costa Rica.

In Group C Greece justified my faith in them by beating The Ivory Coast 2-1 while Columbia handled Japan 4-1.

The standings after thirteen days (teams which have clinched moving on to the knockout round are in italics):

Completed Groups
Group A: Brazil (7), Mexico (7), Croatia (3), Cameroon (0)
Group B: Netherlands (9), Chile (6), Spain (3), Australia (0)
Group C: Columbia (6), Greece (1), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (1)
Group D: Costa Rica (7), Uruguay (6), Italy (3), England (1)

Groups with Games Remaining
Group E: France (6),  Ecuador (3), Switzerland (3), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (6), Nigeria (4), Iran (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (4), United States (4), Ghana (1), Portugal (1)
Group H: Belgium (6), Algeria (3), Russia (1), South Korea (1)

So, how am I doing?

I'll show them goats, orangutans and chimpanzees yet.  Of the 10 teams that have clinched a trip to the next round, I picked 8. Which isn't too bad. I mean, Costa Rica over Italy and England and Spain eliminated in the first round? If you picked those, my hat is off to you.

Six spots left.

In Group F, Nigeria needs to beat, tie or lose by only one goal to Argentina OR Iran has to lose or draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Nigeria is in. In Group E I need Switzerland to beat Honduras and Ecuador to lose or draw with France.

Should be interesting especially considering how well the South America teams have been playing. They've clinched five spots in the round of 16.

The World Cup Day 12

The early games were in Group B were the only thing left to decide was first and second. The Netherlands beat Chile 2-0 to take first and Spain completed a disappointing World Cup by beating Australia 3-0.

In Group A Brazil clinched 1st by beating Cameroon 4-1 and Mexico advanced with a three goal barrage in the second half defeating Croatia 3-1.

The standings after twelve days (teams which have clinched moving on to the knockout round are in italics):

Completed Groups
Group A: Brazil (7), Mexico (7), Croatia (3), Cameroon (0)
Group B: Netherlands (9), Chile (6), Spain (3), Australia (0)

Groups with Games Remaining
Group C: Columbia (6), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (1), Greece (1)
Group D: Costa Rica (6), Italy (3), Uruguay (3), England (0)
Group E: France (6),  Ecuador (3), Switzerland (3), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (6), Nigeria (4), Iran (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (4), United States (4), Ghana (1), Portugal (1)
Group H: Belgium (6), Algeria (3), Russia (1), South Korea (1)

So, how am I doing?

Of the 8 teams that have clinched advancing to the second round, I picked 6. Only three more to go in order to do better than a drunken chimpanzee selecting randomly. Or, maybe not selecting randomly. the drunken chimp could know more about soccer than I do.

The World Cup Day 11

Oh that hurt. Oh that REALLY hurt. With a score in the 95th minute Portugal came back to tie the US 2-2. That keeps everyone alive in Group G.

In Group H, Belgium beat Russia 1-0 and Algeria beat South Korea in a wild one 4-2. So Belgium clinches a spot in the knockout round.

The standings after eleven days (teams which have clinched moving on to the knockout round are in italics):

Group A: Brazil (4), Mexico (4), Croatia (3), Cameroon (0)
Group B: Netherlands (6), Chile (6), Australia (0), Spain (0),
Group C: Columbia (6), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (1), Greece (1)
Group D: Costa Rica (6), Italy (3), Uruguay (3), England (0)
Group E: France (6),  Ecuador (3), Switzerland (3), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (6), Nigeria (4), Iran (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (4), United States (4), Ghana (1), Portugal (1)
Group H: Belgium (6), Algeria (3), Russia (1), South Korea (1)

Germany, with a 3 point and 5 GD lead over Ghana and a 3 point and 8 GD lead over Portugal, is all but in. It would take a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions for them not to advance.

The US is in control of its own destiny. A win or draw against Germany, or a draw between Ghana and Portugal, and they advance.

Now we all know that Ghana and Portugal are not going to draw and the US probably isn't going to beat or draw Germany after leaving so much on the pitch against Portugal. That means things should be as exciting as hell next Thursday.

The US has only a 2 GD over Ghana so if they lose, and Ghana wins, that gets wiped out. If either game is by 2 goals or more, Ghana advances. If both games are by one goal then it depends how many goals are scored. If the US scores more goals, they score the same amount of goals, or Ghana scores one goal more, the US will advance. If Ghana scores two or more goals more, Ghana will advance.

You got that?

It's a tougher road for Portugal. The US has a five GD lead over Portugal. So, not only must the US lose and Portugal win, but they need to make up five goals which is unlikely but, hey, that's why you have to play the game.

Group H is much easier. Belgium is in and the winner of the Algeria v. Russia game will advance with them. If it's a draw, Algeria advances unless, by some bizarre twist, South Korea not only defeats Belgium but also makes up a 3 GD.

So, how am I doing?

Six teams have clinched advancing and I picked 4 of those 6. Only five more to go in order to do better than orangutans selecting the winners randomly.

The World Cup Day 10

Iran played tough against Argentina but finally gave up a goal in the 2nd minute of extra time to Lionel Messi and lost 1-0. Ghana and Germany played to a 2-2 draw and Nigeria beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0.

The standings after ten days (teams which have clinched moving on to the knockout round are in italics):

Group A: Brazil (4), Mexico (4), Croatia (3), Cameroon (0)
Group B: Netherlands (6), Chile (6), Australia (0), Spain (0),
Group C: Columbia (6), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (1), Greece (1)
Group D: Costa Rica (6), Italy (3), Uruguay (3), England (0)
Group E: France (6),  Ecuador (3), Switzerland (3), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (6), Nigeria (4), Iran (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (4), United States (3), Ghana (1), Portugal (0)
Group H: Belgium (3), Russia (1), South Korea (1), Algeria (0)

So Argentina clinches a spot in the knockout round and Nigeria, with a 3 point and a 2 GD lead on Iran, will most likely go with them.

The US is in a position to clinch moving on if they can beat Portugal. Of course that's a really big "if." If they lose to Portugal they'll be faced with the daunting task of beating the German team. A draw with Portugal would give the US a 3 point lead over both Portugal and Ghana with a 2 GD lead over Ghana and a 5 GD lead over Portugal.

So, of the 5 teams that have clinched spots in the round of 16, I chose 3.

The World Cup Day 9

In addition to los Ticos 1-0 victory over Italy, France rolled over Switzerland 5-2 and Ecuador beat Honduras 2-1.

The standings after nine days (teams which have clinched moving on to the knockout round are in italics):

Group A: Brazil (4), Mexico (4), Croatia (3), Cameroon (0)
Group B: Netherlands (6), Chile (6), Australia (0), Spain (0),
Group C: Columbia (6), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (1), Greece (1)
Group D: Costa Rica (6), Italy (3), Uruguay (3), England (0)
Group E: France (6),  Ecuador (3), Switzerland (3), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (3), Iran (1), Nigeria (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (3), United States (3), Ghana (0), Portugal (0)
Group H: Belgium (3), Russia (1), South Korea (1), Algeria (0)

As noted in the previous post, with Costa Rica's victory over Italy they clinch an advance to the round of 16 and the winner of the Italy v. Uruguay game will advance with them. If it's a draw, then Italy will advance.

As for Group E, just about nothing is settled but France, with a 6 GD lead over Ecuador and an 8 GD lead over Switzerland, has all but clinched a spot in the knockout round. Switzerland would need a win over Honduras to have any chance of advancing and then would also need France to beat or draw with Ecuador.

So, how am I doing? Not too good if the truth must be told. Of the four teams guaranteed to advance, I picked only 2. Two of my picks, Spain and England, have been eliminated, and things don't look too good for Greece or Uruguay either, but we'll see.

Costa Rica beats Italy 1-0

OK, England is now officially dead. With Costa Rica's victory over Italy they clinch an advance to the round of 16 and the winner of the Italy v. Uruguay game will advance with them. If it's a draw, then Italy will advance.

Costa Rica, ranked #28 in the world by FIFA, now has wins over #9 Italy and #7 Uruguay to it's credit in this World Cup. They'll try and add #10 England to their trophy list Tuesday.

The World Cup Day 8

Columbia beats the Ivory Coast 2-1, Greece, despite playing with only 10 men the entire second half, manages a 0-0 draw with Japan and England loses to Uruguay 2-1.

The standings after eight days (teams in italics have clinched moving on to the next round)

Group A: Brazil (4), Mexico (4), Croatia (3), Cameroon (0)
Group B: Netherlands (6), Chile (6), Australia (0), Spain (0),
Group C: Columbia (6), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (1), Greece (1)
Group D: Costa Rica (3), Italy (3), Uruguay (3), England (0)
Group E: France (3), Switzerland (3), Ecuador (0), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (3), Iran (1), Nigeria (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (3), United States (3), Ghana (0), Portugal (0)
Group H: Belgium (3), Russia (1), South Korea (1), Algeria (0)

Columbia, with its win, and the draw between Japan and Greece, clinches a spot in the knockout round. Greece and Japan are both still alive. If Greece beats the Ivory Coast and Japan fails to beat Columbia, Greece will advance. If the Ivory Coast beats Greece then they will advance regardless of what happens in the Japan v. Columbia game. If the Ivory Coast draws Greece and Japan wins, it will go to the tie breakers where the Ivory Coast currently has all the advantages.

England is almost dead but not quite. They can still advance if Italy beats both Uruguay and Costa Rica, they beat Costa Rica and they manage to make up an extra goal in differential and total goals over Costa Rica.

As for my picks, Columbia makes it at least 3 right but I also have at least 2 wrong. My best case is 6-2 out of the fist four groups and my worst case is 3-5.

The "Tea Party" is Composed of Morons

OK, I know that isn't exactly a news flash but a recent NBC/WSJ poll shows just how far out of sync the Tea Party is with the rest of the country and even the rest of the Republican Party.

Here are the poll question and results, with the occasional commentary (you just knew I couldn't resist).

Does immigration help or hurt the United States?
Tea Party: 68% Hurts, 19% Helps
Other Republicans: 47% Hurts, 40% Helps
Country at Large: 47% Helps, 42% Hurts

If you consider immigration across the board clearly it helps. However, some immigration is negative in nature. Illegal immigration generally hurts as does allowing people in with a radical agendas such as Ken Ham (from Australia) and Ray Comfort (from New Zealand). We have enough home grown crazies.

Support or Oppose Common Core?
Tea Party: 53% Oppose, 38% Support
Other Republicans: 49% Support, 42% Oppose
Country at Large: 59% Support, 31% Oppose

This one baffles me. I've looked at Common Core and it strikes me as fairly innocuous. Is it perfect? Undoubtedly not but most of the right wing nut case objections I've heard are based upon paranoid fantasy rather than thoughtful criticism.

Approve or disapprove of proposal to reduce greenhouse gases?
Tea Party: 74% Disapprove, 23% Approve
Other Republicans: 50% Approve, 47% Disapprove
Country at Large: 57% Approve, 39% Disapprove

This is an engineering problem. How to reduce greenhouse emissions without raising energy costs or causing other unintended grief? There will be an engineering solution and we'll all breathe better.

What to do about Climate Change?
Tea Party: 39% Concern is Unwarranted, 38% Don't Know, 16% Some Action, 6% Serious/Immediate Action.
Other Republicans: 7% Concern is Unwarranted, 31% Don't Know, 43% Some Action, 17% Serious/Immediate Action.
Country at Large: 13% Concern is Unwarranted, 24% Don't Know, 30% Some Action, 31% Serious/Immediate Action.

I'm off the fence on this one and I'm convinced that serious action is required.

The World Cup Day 7

Spain is eliminated by Chile 2-0 who advances with the Netherlands into the Round of 16 as they defeat Australia 3-2. In the Group A game Croatia beats Cameroon 4-0.

The standings after seven days are (teams in italics have clinched moving into the next round):

Group A: Brazil (4), Mexico (4), Croatia (3), Cameroon (0)
Group B: Netherlands (6), Chile (6), Australia (0), Spain (0),
Group C: Columbia (3), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (0), Greece (0)
Group D: Costa Rica (3), Italy (3), England (0), Uruguay (0)
Group E: France (3), Switzerland (3), Ecuador (0), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (3), Iran (1), Nigeria (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (3), United States (3), Ghana (0), Portugal (0)
Group H: Belgium (3), Russia (1), South Korea (1), Algeria (0)

So Group A is still a little open. Croatia, by beating Mexico, could jump ahead of them and Brazil could need at least a draw with Cameroon if Mexico and Croatia draw.

If the unthinkable happens and Cameroon somehow manages to beat Brazil, while Mexico and Croatia draw, then Mexico would come in by points 5-4 and Croatia would come in second by way of goal differential because right now both Croatia and Brazil are at +2 goals.

I suspect that's REALLY unlikely but hey, that's why you have to play the game.

If Brazil and Mexico both win then first will be determined by goal differential. Right now Brazil has a 1 goal advantage.

In Group B the Netherlands and Chile will both advance. The winner of their game will come in first and the loser second. If it's a draw then the Netherlands will come in first based upon goal differential.

In tomorrow's games Greece, England and Uruguay all just about have their World Cup lives on the line.

As for my picks, at least 2, and possibly 3, of my 4 picks in Groups A & B will advance. Group C looks so-so but could improve tomorrow if Greece beats Japan. Group D looks really ugly and Group E looks good. Groups F, G & H look so-so.

My pet goat Frankie, picking randomly, would be expected to get about 8 of the 16 right. Let's see if I can at least beat that.

Defending Champion Spain is Done

With a 2-0 loss to Chile, while the Netherlands defeated Australia 2-1, Spain has been eliminated. For the second consecutive World Cup the defending champs won't get past the group round.

Both the Netherlands and Chile will advance from Group B.

Group B: Netherlands (6), Chile (6), Australia (0), Spain (0)

The Netherlands v. Chile game will determine who will play the winner of Group A, which will probably be Brazil, in the first game of the Round of 16.

The final game today is Cameroon v. Croatia.

More Bad News for the Forces of Darkness

Right wing nut jobs like Tony Perkins keep predicting dire consequences and even open rebellion should gay marriage become the law of the land.

As usual, the right wing is delusional.

The Human Rights Campaign used Republican pollster TargetPoint consulting to conduct a poll on gay marriage as a special gift for NOM's while they "march" tomorrow.

Consistent with other polls they found support for gay marriage at a solid 56% while opposition was at only 37%. Even more interesting, the number of people STRONGLY supporting gay marriage was found to be approaching a majority at 44%.

As for the chances of a rebellion should gay marriage become legal across the country, it's just about zero. Only 18% agree with Perkins about a "firestorm of opposition" while a solid 59% disagree.

Fully 62% of Americans say the country wouldn't be that different if gays could marry and 74% said their life wouldn't change. Even among those that said things would be different 20% thought the changes would be positive.

The culture has come to terms with gay marriage. Only the Supreme Court, by doing something excruciatingly stupid, could upset this apple cart.

They've Got to be Going Crazy

I'm really glad I'm not a Conservative these days. These people have got to be going crazy the way the culture is literally running away from them.

A black president, gay marriage and transgender rights have got to be making them howl at the moon. And that's not to mention the steady rise of militant atheism.

They just don't get it. They don't understand why people don't think like them. That's because they're so narrow minded they honestly can't accept they might be wrong. There's a big "No Admittance" sign on their fat far-heads.

Normally being a Conservative is easy because you're so, so sure that you know the truth. Liberals tend to run around like ducks with an itch trying to weigh and balance every conceivable side of an argument. Put six liberals in a room and you'll get nine or ten opinions.

But when Liberals finally agree on a course of action, like the Northern states they call home, "they move with the steady momentum and perseverance of a mighty avalanche."

That's when the Conservative's pat little ethnocentric world begins to come apart. That's what's happening today.

Things will eventually settle down and stabilize until the next issue rears its ugly head. I wonder what that will be? Robot rights perhaps?

The World Cup Day 6

Well, two more draws today including a 0-0 draw between Brazil and Mexico. That was quite a game though including one of the best performances I've ever seen by a goal keeper. Gulliermo Ochoa made two or three utterly improbable saves to keep the game even.

In Group H Belgium came back to beat Algeria 2-1 while Russia avoided a loss to South Korea with a goal in the 74th minute to tie the game 1-1.

The standings after six days are:

Group A: Brazil (4), Mexico (4), Cameroon (0), Croatia (0)
Group B: Netherlands (3), Chile (3), Australia (0), Spain (0),
Group C: Columbia (3), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (0), Greece (0)
Group D: Costa Rica (3), Italy (3), England (0), Uruguay (0)
Group E: France (3), Switzerland (3), Ecuador (0), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (3), Iran (1), Nigeria (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (3), United States (3), Ghana (0), Portugal (0)
Group H: Belgium (3), Russia (1), South Korea (1), Algeria (0)

As the second games proceed we can start playing with all the combinations. Right now both Brazil and Mexico are in good shape but a lot hinges on the Cameroon v. Croatia game tomorrow. If Croatia wins then they'll have a golden opportunity to go past Mexico with a win in the third game.

If Cameroon wins, they'll then have to either win or draw against Brazil. With a draw they'll need help from Croatia. I'm sticking with my picks of Brazil and Mexico.

The Group B games tomorrow should be interesting as well. If Spain doesn't beat Chile things are going to start looking really dim for the defending champs.

The World Cup Day 5

Hey, the US beat Ghana 2-1. Goes to show you what I know. Germany clobbered Portugal 4-0 which was a bit of a surprise or at least the score was.

And, of course, after me making all sorts of cooing sounds about more scoring this time around and no draws so far we got a 0-0 draw between Nigeria and Iran.

The standings after five days:

Group A: Brazil (3), Mexico (3), Cameroon (0), Croatia (0)
Group B: Netherlands (3), Chile (3), Australia (0), Spain (0),
Group C: Columbia (3), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (0), Greece (0)
Group D: Costa Rica (3), Italy (3), England (0), Uruguay (0)
Group E: France (3), Switzerland (3), Ecuador (0), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (3), Iran (1), Nigeria (1), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (3), United States (3), Ghana (0), Portugal (0)
Group H: Belgium (0), Algeria (0), Russia (0), South Korea (0)

Tomorrow we get the two games from the final group, Belgium v. Algeria and Russia v. South Korea, plus the first second game between Brazil and Mexico.

There are several games coming up between teams that both lost the first game. Another loss and they're pretty much done.

Wed. Cameroon v. Croatia
Thu. Uruguay v. England and Japan v. Greece
Fri. Honduras v. Ecuador

The next game for the US is against Portugal on Sunday. That's a big game for both teams. For the US a chance to lock-up a trip to the round of 16 and for Portugal a need to hold off elimination.

Looking Forward to Stage 2

I was just thinking how "interesting" a Brazil v. Argentina final would be. Such a match is possible if Brazil wins Group A and Argentina wins Group F.

The World Cup Day 4

OK, I did a lot better today. Both of my picks to advance in Group E won, Switzerland over Ecuador 2-1 and France over Honduras 3-0 plus Argentina beat Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-1.

The standings after four days:

Group A: Brazil (3), Mexico (3), Cameroon (0), Croatia (0)
Group B: Netherlands (3), Chile (3), Australia (0), Spain (0),
Group C: Columbia (3), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (0), Greece (0)
Group D: Costa Rica (3), Italy (3), England (0), Uruguay (0)
Group E: France (3), Switzerland (3), Ecuador (0), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (3), Iran (0), Nigeria (0), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (0), Portugal (0), Ghana (0), United States (0)
Group H: Belgium (0), Algeria (0), Russia (0), South Korea (0)

We've now completed 11 games. In 2010, after 11 games, there had been 4 draws, 9 shutouts, including a 0-0 draw between Uruguay and France, and a total of 18 goals for an average of 1.6 goals per game.

This year, after 11 games, there have been no draws, only 3 shutouts and a total of 37 goals scored for an average of almost 3.4 goals per game. It must have something to do with the water in Brasil.

The US plays its first game tomorrow and if they want any chance at all of making it to the round of 16 they have to beat Ghana. Unfortunately Ghana, with its precision passing game, usually gives the US fits. I wouldn't hold my breath.

Then there is Germany v. Portugal in the same group. That is going to be an interesting game even though I'm pretty sure both will advance anyway. In the last game I need Nigeria to beat Iran or Group F is going to start to look almost as ugly as Group D.

Civil War Comes to Iraq

To be honest with you I'm surprised it took this long for the civil war to get going.

The radical Sunni Islamic group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) have plunged the country into chaos, captured Mosul in the north and claim to have killed 1700 government troops as they march toward Baghdad.

Influential Shiite clerics have called upon Iraqi militia to come and defend the capital. Reports say "thousands" of Iraqis have responded but I'm not sure what that means.

In the meantime the Kurds are taking advantage of the situation to carve out a piece of the country for themselves.

So far the American trained and equipped Iraqi "Army" appears only good at surrendering its weapons to the ISIS insurgents.

In September of 2007 I said "It appears that the only thing preventing all out sectarian war and the accompanying horrors is the American presence on the ground...If there is going to be a war, at least it will be a war that the Iraqi’s choose for themselves and not one thrust upon them by us."

Of course the Shiite Iranians aren't thrilled with the idea of a radical Sunni force on their doorstep and appear ready to "help out." It's unclear to me exactly what that means as well.

Some wars have to happen. The American Civil War had to happen and I suspect the Iraqi Civil War has to happen as well.

Anyone miss Saddam yet? No, I suppose not. This was always the danger but I suspect Saddam's time was limited in any event. Iraq is an artificial colonial construct. The British Mandate of Mesopotamia set up by the League of Nations ignored the region's ethnic and religious groups. This war has been brewing for a hundred years.

The World Cup Day 3

Columbia jumped out to a quick start against Greece and never looked back in a 3-0 win. Costa Rica shocked the South American Uruguay 3-1, the Ivory Coast topped Japan 2-1 and Italy whipped England by the same 2-1 score.

With England losing to Italy and Uruguay losing to Costa Rica, my Group D picks aren't looking very good. Does this really surprise anyone?

The standings after three days:

Group A: Brazil (3), Mexico (3), Cameroon (0), Croatia (0)
Group B: Netherlands (3), Chile (3), Australia (0), Spain (0), 
Group C: Columbia (3), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (0), Greece (0)
Group D: Costa Rica (3), Italy (3), England (0), Uruguay (0)
Group E: Switzerland (0), Ecuador (0), France (0), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (0), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0), Iran (0), Nigeria (0)
Group G: Germany (0), Portugal (0), Ghana (0), United States (0)
Group H: Belgium (0), Algeria (0), Russia (0), South Korea (0)

The World Cup Day 2

In 2010, when Spain lost the first game to Switzerland, I said it might actually help them by making them focus. Well today the Netherlands avenged its loss last year in the final and clobbered Spain 5-1.

With a minus four goal differential defending champion Spain almost has to win both of the next games against Chile and Australia especially since Chile has beaten Australia 3-1. That gives Chile a 6 goal edge in the first tie breaker.

In the second Group A game Mexico defeated Cameroon 1-0.

The standings after two days:

Group A: Brazil (3), Mexico (3), Cameroon (0), Croatia (0)
Group B: Netherlands (3), Chile (3), Australia (0), Spain (0), 
Group C: Columbia (0), Greece (0), Ivory Coast (0), Japan (0)
Group D: Uruguay (0), Costa Rica (0), England (0), Italy (0)
Group E: Switzerland (0), Ecuador (0), France (0), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (0), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0), Iran (0), Nigeria (0)
Group G: Germany (0), Portugal (0), Ghana (0), United States (0)
Group H: Belgium (0), Algeria (0), Russia (0), South Korea (0)

All four Group C and D matches will be played tomorrow.

Brazil off to a 3-1 Win

Brazil made a statement in the opening game downing Croatia 3-1. There will be three games tomorrow. Current Standings (my picks in bold):

Group A: Brazil (3), Mexico (0), Camaroon (0), Croatia (0)
Group B: Spain (0), Netherlands (0), Chile (0), Australia (0)
Group C: Columbia (0), Greece (0), Ivory Coast (0), Japan (0)
Group D: Uruguay (0), Costa Rica (0), England (0), Italy (0)
Group E: Switzerland (0), Ecuador (0), France (0), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (0), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0), Iran (0), Nigeria (0)
Group G: Germany (0), Portugal (0), Ghana (0), United States (0)
Group H: Belgium (0), Algeria (0), Russia (0), South Korea (0)

12:00 PM - Mexico v. Cameroon
 3:00 PM - Spain v. Netherlands
 6:00 PM - Chile v. Australia

Let the Insanity Begin!

The 2014 World Cup kicks off (literally) Thursday with Brazil vs. Croatia. In case you forgot, the groups are:

Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Camaroon
Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Group C: Columbia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan
Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy
Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France Honduras
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, United States
Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea

And, just in case anyone out there cares, *cough, cough*, my, let's embarrass myself again, picks for moving on to the round of 16 were:

Group A: Brazil, Mexico
Group B: Spain, Netherlands
Group C: Columbia, Greece
Group D: Uruguay, England
Group E: Switzerland, France
Group F: Argentina, Nigeria
Group G: Germany, Portugal
Group H: Belgium, Russia

Of course without Paraguay there will be no Larissa. Excuse me while I go cry my eyes out about that.

SCOTUS Declines Request to Delay Gay Marriage

While the old white folks in Texas were making themselves look foolish by endorsing "therapy" for gays, the Supreme Court of the United States refused the request from NOM to delay gay marriages in Oregon.

Can you hear the walls crumbling?

Texas GOP Supports "Therapy" for Gays

Well, it could have been worse. They could have gotten the language "sexual sins tear at the fabric of society" in the GOP plank but they didn't.

Basically a couple of thousand old white people yearning for a fictional "good old days" decided to call for treatments that attempt to turn gay people straight.

This is despite all professional psychological and psychiatric associations in the US saying that not only is this treatment ineffective, it has the potential to be harmful.

Another example of the ignorance and arrogance of conservative Christians. That goes along with hateful and bigoted to make conservative Christianity one of the most repulsive philosophies on the planet.

If Jesus could only see what they've done.

I do not understand how anyone with an ounce or more of integrity and an IQ above 90 can vote Republican.

Common Core Sex Education

Feel free to form your own opinions. Everyone does. All I ask is that you try to first get all the facts straight.

Hey, no one is perfect. I'm as guilty of selective reasoning as anyone else. We all tend to form our ideas based upon emotions and then proceed to find reasons why those ideas are correct.

But, and this is the big but, when you are faced with clear evidence that says maybe, just maybe, you're wrong, you have to accept that.

At the very least you need to accept the facts as they exist and if you can't sustain your position in light of those facts, you have to give it up.

Majorie Holstein, a conservative activist opposing the Common Core standards, is reported to be of the opinion that the Common Core sex education standards contain material so graphic they violate obscenity laws in some states.

There's only one problem; Common Core doesn't contain any sex education standards. So, if that is her opinion, I think it's safe to say it's a tad inaccurate.

NOM Asks for Stay in Oregon

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), claiming to represent three unnamed members in Oregon, has asked the Supreme Court to stay the Gay Marriage order pending appeal.

Both the original plaintiffs and the State have asked the SCOTUS to deny the stay.

This could go either way as other states have had Gay Marriage put on hold pending appeal.