The Phoenix

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Greetings all.  I have dusted off the keyboard after a short hiatus to resume fulfilling that empty void of unimportant information and biased opinions that you've been missing.  First, let me tell you what I've been up to since the last time...kidding, I won't go that far into self-absorption.  It's been a struggle to find the motivation needed to put pen to paper (as if my writing is legible) while football season is on break.  That, combined with the job that keeps the lights turned on requiring more time....it's been a minute.  Of course I'm probably a full 3 weeks off of the weekly rants...and yes, that coincides with the NFL kicking off.

Not that you care, but I'm currently submerged into the Sopranos.  I have heard that this is the greatest show "of all time" from more than a few.  It's hard to get past the fact that they are still watching tube tvs and Tony Soprano has a flip phone.  I'm at least 2 upgrades past the flip, so I tend to mock those who still use them...even if I'm watching an old show.  Nevertheless, I've somehow avoided any spoilers all of these years (other than the last scene of the last episode).  I really didn't become emotionally invested until Big Pussy had to pay for his snitching sins.  I guess snitches don't actually get stitches eh?

In case you were wondering, the US Men's National Soccer Team is on an unprecedented 9 game winning streak heading into the semis of the Gold Cup tournament.  I know, that just blew your mind right?  I may ride the wave and bet the U.S. -2 and/or drive to Jerry's stadium Wednesday to see my $ multiply...if that sort of thing were legal.  Needless to say, heading into the last few stages of the World Cup Qualifying, Jürgen (the coach!) may be on his way to fielding the best mix of veteran and youth that we've seen represent the stars and stripes to date.

Lastly,  we are on the cusp of another round of suspensions for PED usage in MLB.  I find it somewhat entertaining how the different sports and its fans view the usage of performance enhancing drugs.  Baseball [allegedly] wants to rid its game of these players while still having guaranteed contracts which basically makes the gamble worth it.  It's assumed that it's done in football, as long as you don't go overboard and show up to the game with the needle still entrenched in your buttocks...besides, concussions are more important right?  Basketball and other sports beyond is an afterthought.  Personally, I never really cared.  I get more wrapped up in the sensationalism of who gets caught, how well they deny it or what rationale they have for these drugs being in their system.  I suppose I should hope that those "cheating" are removed from the game to level the playing field for those doing it right.  Realistically, I just hope if they are on the team I'm going for, that it's not exposed until the eulogy (or Hall of Fame speech...whichever comes first).