That's right. Suisham is sick nasty. All you NFL jokers best realize and respect. Elam's got nothing.

Beckham in his prime

Instead of going to bed at a reasonable hour last night, I was drawn in by a replay of the classic 2001 World Cup Qualifying match between England and Greece. To set the stage, the die hard British fans were hungry for some football glory. After losing to the West Germans in a shootout in the semis of World Cup 1990, they failed to qualify in '94, got to the second round in '98, and had a couple poor Euro Cup performances sprinkled in between.  The loyal fans demanded better.

So here, in 2001, with the fickle Brits reluctantly putting their faith in David Beckham as captain, the English faced potentially not qualifying for the World Cup once again.  With Germany, Finland, Greece, and Albania in their qualifying group, England arrived at this last game having done well (5-1-1) but still facing potential elimination dependent on the outcome of the Germany v. Finland game that was being played simultaneously.  If England won, or if both games resulted in a draw, they would ensure top spot in their group and have a direct entrance into the World Cup Finals without needing a playoff game.

Even though the announcers and some of the fans were monitoring the Germany v. Finland game, most of the players didn't know that their score was remaining 0-0.  But they had the more pressing issue of being down 1-0 to Greece at halftime.  How would they pull it together?  They couldn't fail to qualify again.  They had to find a way.

The answer came from their epic leader, number 7.  He had been playing hard in the first half, but from the whistle in the 46th minute, Beckham went nuts.  He was all over the field, stealing the ball, playing in crosses, through balls, making runs (it was refreshing to see him actually playing soccer instead of just jogging around the pitch waiting for a free kick to take or flash bulb to smile for) and his whole team followed his example.  The English side came out like gangbusters in the second half and cranked up the offensive pressure on Greece, getting chance after chance, but just couldn't break through.  

But Beckham wouldn't be denied.  He wouldn't let his country down again.  Finding the substitute Sheringham's head on a free kick, England drew even in the 68th minute.  But that didn't last long.  Greece struck back a minute later, with the help of some poor defending, sucking all the excitement out of Old Trafford.  The rest of the match played out full of tension and anxiety.  The Brits couldn't seem to slow the clock down or find the way through as the Greek keeper continued to have a stellar performance.  So this is what it comes down to, England down 2-1 after 90 minutes played.  Four minutes of stoppage time added on.  The fans, the whole country, praying for a miracle.  And the chance comes in the 93rd minute, a direct free kick from 30 yards out.  Beckham steps up, takes the hopes of millions on his shoulders, shakes his head at the fans who had already filed out of the stadium, and with his right foot brilliantly seals his fate and legacy in the annals of English footballers.  

When his team, his manager, and his country needed him to step up and earn the title of captain and leader, Beckham answered the call and slotted a sick free kick into the old onion bag.  This game, in my opinion, is who David Beckham was as a soccer player at his best.  Very unlike what we saw at Real Madrid or now at the L.A. Galaxy.  He was a leader, he worked hard on the field, he earned the respect of his coaches and teammates, and ultimately, he produced results when it came down to it.  Say what you want about his photo shoots, frosted sunglasses, rail-thin high-maintenance wife, Hollywood lifestyle, or global reputation.  As a soccer player, at one point in his career, he deserved every ounce of hype that he got.  He was money and everyone knew it.

That is what made it totally worth it to stay up late last night and watch the replay of that match and see him at his best once again.  It had been awhile, but it was enthralling.  Here are some clips from that match.  Doesn't do justice to the drama of it, but still great.

This is Congress' energy policy?

Congressman Ted Poe explains Congress' plan to solve the energy crisis, by forcing the American people to buy florescent light bulbs instead of incandescent.  Since when was it the federal government's job or right to tell its people (government of the people, by the people, and for the people, right?) what light bulbs to buy?  

And is this really a solution to an energy deficiency?  In light of the gas prices and the strain on our economy, the American people are looking to the government and asking them to "Do something!"  Pressure on OPEC, pressure on the corporate oil conglomerates making massive profits, sanctions and penalties for the speculators driving the price up, investigation and justice for price gouging, working to pursue alternative energy options and alternative modes of transportation.  But forcing the American people to buy florescent light bulbs instead of incandescent?  Come on.  

Do these light bulbs reduce energy consumption?  Sure they do.  Does that mean that people are choosing to purchase them instead of regular light bulbs?  Yes it does.  Does that give the Government the right to mandate purchasing of only those bulbs?  No, it does not.  As Congressman Poe goes to great length to point out, these are very different bulbs than Edison's invention and they have inherent dangers and logistical nightmares that aren't thought of by people buying them to save energy.  Ultimately, whether the energy advantage of these bulbs outweighs the potential risk and danger they could cause, Congress cannot mandate their use in our country.  They are over-stepping the boundaries of their role in the management and future development of our country.

RIP George

George Carlin just passed away yesterday. Now, I know there are a lot of people out there that won't be too sad about that. They might actually be happy to have his fowl language and abrasive demeanor off the stage and airwaves. But me, I am going to miss him. I am going to miss his honesty and fearless desire to "say it like it is." And yes, he did use very colorful language, but you got used to it and saw it as his way to express his anger and frustration about politics, religion, and people in general. And as a person who often gets frustrated and pissed off when I see things that don't make sense or aren't done well, I enjoy comedians like Carlin and his pupils Carlos Mencia and Lewis Black, cause they put into words all the things that piss me off.

The great thing about any artist, though, is that their art will continue to live on after they have died, making them immortal. But in an ironic twist, one of his most recent routines is a bit was titled "Life is Worth Losing." I checked it out this morning as a somewhat morbid, but in my mind appropriate, tribute to George. Check it out here.

Bringing the world together by dancing...

Basically this is the coolest thing ever. I want to be jealous that he got to do this, but honestly, I can't. It makes me smile and makes me too happy to be jealous. I just can't help but feel good inside while watching this.

Simply awesome...