Friendship

So in the last week or so, in conversation, the concept of "friendship" has come up. Weird, yes.

One of the conversations was that neither of us had a best friend. We have many many friends, but not that "best" friend. Neither of us were concerned about it, and knew there are people we can rely on to help us out if needed, but we don't have that confidant who we need to bounce ideas or share intimate/secret stuff with. After a short discussion we were sure we do not need that confidant.

Another conversation was around that I do not have a girlfriend, even though they thought I did. (I found this really funny, but anyway.) Once again I do not feel as if I need a girlfriend in my life right now (long list of reasons for this, which I will not go into here). After my divorce and the adjustment to being me again, I discovered I like being me. Maybe that is why I don't have a best friend, I like being me (and others can not handle that).

The last conversation revolves around my daughter, and that she does not have a best friend (currently). She has had one or two in the past, but for reasons beyond her control (moves, new school, etc...) distance has put a damper on those relationships. She has friends she hangs out through common interest and/or school, but not that confidant. Being in middle school this can be tough and she does feel she is left out of things because she does not run with any squad (I think that is what they call it now), partly because she is not a follower and does her own thing, and does not care what others think about it. Her mother and I have always instilled this in both of our children, so I guess...but there is nothing wrong in that. Maybe this also why I don't have a best friend...and I have passed this onto my children, so sorry or your welcome, not sure which is correct.

So here is to friendship, whatever that may be...

BTW, I do have many friends that have the same warped twisted sarcastic bent thought structure that I have and many that I have numerous common interests with and I am far from being lonely.

Eye Halve a Spelling Checker

<Not mine, but brilliant>

I halve a spelling checker
It came with my pea sea
It plainly marcs four my revue
Miss steaks eye kin knot sea.
Eye strike a key and type a word
And weight four it two say
Weather eye am wrong oar write
It shows me strait a weigh
As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee fore two long
And eye can put the error rite
Its rare lea ever wrong
Eye have run this poem threw it
I am shore your please to no
Its letter perfect awl the weigh
My checker tolled me sew.

USMNT:6 Year Hiatus

The US Mens National Team (USMNT) has some time to think about why they did not qualify for the world cup, especially the controlling powers (U.S. Soccer).

Many are already pointing fingers and coming up with lame excuses of why... everything from Klinsmann to weak youth program. So here is my take on why it failed and what others are saying is dead wrong.

Lets start with the youth program...no, our youth program is not failing us on the international level. Our strong women's program is evidence of that, as they win at all levels and are dominant year in year out. We are sending some of our best to play around the world during their development years.

Klinsmann killed the team...this is the most laughable excuse out there, here is a man that has won at all levels as a player and as a coach. Probably understands the game more than anyone in this country.  Klinsmann was building toward a youth movement and was patiently developing players and pushing the older past their prime players out the door. But U.S. Soccer did not like his plan so he was ousted.

Arenas killed USMNT, he killed it the first time he was coach and left it in the hands of Bob Bradley, and he just killed it again. Arenas does not have the knowledge to win at the top level and just tries to fill seats using MLS stars. He starts first time players in their late 20s, instead of younger players with a future in front of them. Look at soccer around the world, most of the top players are on the down side of their career at 26-27 years old. The whole reason professional teams recruit and train players in their early teens is so they have them at their prime in their early 20s, it is the nature of the game.

Bradley killed USMNT, both father and son. They are both horrible and should not have been given the power that they have had. Neither of them can win at any level.

Television killed USMNT. You could not watch their games unless you had special television packages. How do you garner support for any team, in any sport, without the proper media coverage. Television drove away the fan base.

So how do we solve this (and we have 6 years to figure it out)? Follow the Klinsmann plan and invest in our youth, forget the Donovans, the Dempseys, the Bradleys. Get rid of Arenas and everyone every associated with him. Go out and find your next Pulisic, Yedlin, put your money in the U-17 and U-18 teams. Those players are the ones that will carry you into the next World Cup

Talk About No Respect

So, I am seeing the American Flag being flown at half-staff. A quick search on the interwebz says it is for the victims of the Route 91 Harvest Fest in Las Vegas. My question is why...

Was a ranking government official killed?  Were US soldiers killed in the line of duty? National holiday of remembrance?

Nope.

Our so-called president ordered it. The same fucking moron that spent the last 10+ days spreading vitriol about NFL players and their "lack" of respect for the flag, this country and veterans. Now he orders this disrespect, thinking he is uniting the country. Anyone with an ounce of intelligence knows this is just another ploy to stroke his ego and more pandering to his base.

I know some will say that there were veterans possible killed (and wounded) is this mass shooting, but they did not give their life in the line of duty.

So, I am offended by this lack of respect and disregard to those that have served this country.