Two Worlds Collide, Rival Nations. It’s a Primitive Clash Venting Years of Frustration

(Survivor, Burning Heart)

United States v. Australia isn’t exactly an age-old rivalry, but hey, this is the Olympics. I’m rooting against countries I didn’t even know existed (when did Ivory Coast change it’s name to Cote d’Ivoire??), so of course I was happy to see the Redeem Team (dumb) pull it together after the first quarter and dismantle the Aussies today, on their way to the semifinals against either Greece (boo!!) or Argentina (boo!! – sorry Manu). Hopefully Spain (boo!!) will beat Lithuania (boo!!) in their semifinal game so we can show those racist dogs who’s boss in the final game.

I’ve been getting pretty into the Olympics this year. I always think I’m not really into the Summer Olympics, but I think I just forget how much fun they are, due to the fact that they’re four years apart and only last two weeks. The Winter Olympics are always awesome – skiing and snowboarding are just too cool to forget about being excited for. But this year’s Summer games have been great – I’m pretty sure I’ve never cared much about swimming (thanks, Phelps, you goofy looking bastard), women’s gymnastics (check out this video of Alicia Sacramone knocking out some dude in his backyard), women’s sand volleyball (Misty May sounds like a pornstar’s name), or synchronized diving, but lately, I’ve been happy to watch it all and pretend that I understand why a 16.45 score is supposed to be so awesome. (Amanda, did you see that!! He got a 16.45!! That is unreal!!)

Of course, I have no idea what separates a 16.45 from a 15.25, nor do I understand why they don’t just give them scores of 1-10 and then add them all up like they used to. Either way, keep at it, Team USA. After this is over, it’s time for most of you to go back to school or find jobs, so enjoy it while it lasts.

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And I Have Been Drunk Now For Over Two Weeks, I Passed Out and I Rallied and I Sprung a Few Leaks

(Jimmy Buffet, A Pirate Looks at Forty)

Just got back from a weekend in Long Beach. Tommy and I drove down for our fantasy football draft, which was Saturday afternoon. I’m pretty happy with my team, thanks to a bit of advance scouting and some draft day luck.

It was a really fun weekend, complete with some blackjack (lost $30 – not so bad), the draft, a visit to Waffle House, and an always enjoyable lunch at Pirate’s Cove, which has moved into a temporary space further into Pass Christian. That roast beef po-boy is so good it makes my eyes water. And healthy, too!

One thing I did notice the other night, though, while we were watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, was that the US athletes kind of looked like douchebags. Why were they all wearing this ridiculous outfit? I’m not the biggest fan of the olympics in general, but I like watching US basketball, US hockey, rooting for the United States to win medals, and most importantly, rooting vehemently against all other countries. It’s really the only opportunity we get to be blatantly nationalistic. But really? This outfit was ridiculous. Lenny thought they looked like sailors, which doesn’t necessarily justify it. I just thought it looked like Halloween, and everyone wore the same crappy costume. And in at least one instance, the First Lady of the United States might have had reason to fear for her sexual well-being.

I developed a pretty nasty sinus headache on the way home, and I was feeling pretty wrecked when I got home last night, but I’m feeling much better now. In case you’re wondering.

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