Random Thoughts

-If you can't get excited for the Euro 2008 tournament, you must be dead. Even if you hate soccer, think it is the most dull, boring sport ever invented, you have to admit the drama is second to none. Take the Czech Republic vs. Turkey game yesterday. It was basically an elimination game as the winner went on to the quarter finals. Up 2-0 with twenty minutes left, the Czechs seemed secure with their lead and a place in the quarters beckoned. Turkey stormed back to score three goals, two in the last five minutes to win the game. I repeat, TWO GOALS IN THE LAST FIVE MINUTES! An unbelievable ending to an exhilarating game. If you can't get up for that, what kind of a sports fan are you?

-On the way back from Appleton yesterday, we stopped in Menomonie for a little fathers day dinner. I was lucky enough to watch the last six holes of the U.S. Open in HD and see Tiger sink the dramatic birdie on 18. Unbelievable viewing experience. I wish they had a sudden death playoff instead of the 18 hole nonsense. Thank you Bill and Wendy for having an HD TV. One more great time to cap off a fabulous weekend.

-Go out and buy Lil Wayne's new CD "Tha Carter III". Right before leaving Appleton, my step-brother gave us a copy and we listened to it all the way home. Possibly the best CD I have listened to in over a year. The last CD I enjoyed as much as it was the newest Killers CD. Thanks Pat, I'll be bumping it every morning on my way to work. It will certainly wake me up.

-Downtown Appleton was hopping on Saturday night. Probably because I lived there when I was under age and never went out downtown made me think A-town was fairly lame. But the streets were filled and the bar we went to while waiting for our pizza was pretty sweet. Large, clean, and spacious with good music and attractive bartenders, I had to give Appleton some credit. Also, the bar was next door to the pizza place with the delicious Spinach and Feta. Available late night food always helps.

-Stayed up and watched the fifth game of the NBA Finals. Even though it was close, it was a boring game. It always seemed that the Lakers would pull it out just so the series would seem respectable. I have no doubt the Celtics will finish the series on Tuesday. It will be great not having to hear Stephen A. Smith yell at me.