Was just sitting here thinking about what to post today. Had a dinner party with a great group of friends last night, including our wonderful neighbors who crashed at about midnight. Played golf this morning, but aside from working off a mean hangover, there was nothing to really write about (the only thing worse than the stench of last night's bourbon burning off in the sun, was my swing). Started packing for our long weekend this coming weekend in New Hampshire (have a busy social calendar this week, including the Sting concert, so I needed to start getting organized). None of these things really warranted any additional comment. I was starting to think I would just wait until tomorrow morning, before taking a shot, but then I watched the World Cup final.

I am a huge football (ok, soccer, for all us Yanks who cannot distinguish between two games which use the same word) fan. I root for Chelsea in the English Premier League, and, of course, I live and die by the US National Team. I enjoyed this World Cup. I love the international aspect of the tournament. Teams from every corner of the world. The Uruguayans, Paraguayans, Argentinians, Brazilians, Mexicans and Hondurans. The who's who of Latin and South America (ok, you got me as Mexico is in North America, but then I am willing to bet at least two or three of you reading this had not idea where half these countries actually are). How about the North Koreans who sent a few "fans" over to watch their team. I wonder how many went home. There were the African teams which are always as fun to watch on the field, as are their fans in the stands. There are the European power houses: France, Italy, England, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and Germany. What's not to like.

The one issue I have and always will (no matter how much of a fan I am - and I am) is the acting. Why do footballers (apologies, again to America: soccer players) have to act as though they have been shot every time someone comes within 10 feet of them. If the Oscars had an award for best performance under duress, the Academy might never leave the deliberation room given the number of worthy candidates. The acting really detracts from the beauty and skill of the game. The player's ability to manipulate the ball, direct it and bury it in the back of the net from all angles and distances on the field, is spectacular. Their ability to look violated like Rodney King when getting a whiff of a competitor, is nuts.

The game has instituted a dive rule. It is not enforced enough for my satisfaction, How do the Italians, for example, not compete for "gold" in the platform and springboard events. They certainly have plenty of young men who have perfected the art, and full extension, in a tumble from great heights of at least 3 inches off the turf. If I coached their dive team, I'd have an opposing player stare at them - really hard. I am sure they could pull a 2-and-a-half twist with a pike given all that pressure and potential "interference" (of a stern look). I think if the players want to act like they have been shot anytime someone makes even the slightest of contact, then maybe we should find some sort of fitting way to make it mean something. Maybe we could pad them up like the "waste landers" from 'The Road Warrior". We could force them to wear shin pads studded with blades or nails, or gloves with spikes to ensure a well-planned grapple in the box leaves more than just hurt feelings. Then again, maybe these boys could just grow up and and strap on a pair, assuming they can find them.

By the way, congrats Espana.