Sun’s out after a few days of (very welcome) rain.
Listening to: Bill Frisell, Four ♫
Final analysis: same as halftime. A solid performance by the USMNT: they were composed and competent throughout, but had no cutting edge. ⚽️
Halftime analysis: USMNT dominating in midfield, but has no finishing. ⚽️
I’m sticking with my prediction, but it would be the most USMNT thing ever to beat England and get knocked out by losing to Iran. ⚽️
Even if you hate soccer, listen to the first few minutes of this podcast to discover how my friend Brian, in his Ponca City, Oklahoma elementary school, proved himself a True Hero.
My prediction for USA-Wales was 0-0; it finished 1-1. My prediction for today’s match: England 3-1 USA. ⚽️
I hand-write a lot, but I don’t boost it much these days because I’ve come to realize how strongly many people hate their own handwriting. Writing by hand stresses them, and who needs that? ✍️
Finished reading: Trading Twelves: The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison and Albert Murray: What a brilliant and delightful correspondence (which ended when Murray moved to Harlem, a few blocks from Ellison, making it unnecessary for them to write — their gain, our loss). 📚
Ready to go.
I have several pairs of headphones, of varying quality, but FWIW, these are the ones I always reach for. They’re super-comfortable and they sound remarkably good. They hit the sweet spot for me.
Currently listening: Music for Saxofone & Bass Guitar: More Songs by Sam Gendel & Sam Wilkes ♫
I just love this post by Imani Perry about how excited her sons were when she won the National Book Award.
A good overview of the value of deep reading.
Currently reading: Albert Murray: Collected Essays & Memoirs by Albert Murray 📚
Nothing like listening to the Welsh sing their anthem. 🏴
I’ve been predicting U.S. 0-0 Wales, but the power of Weston McKennie’s hair is (against my will) raising my hopes.
After seeing that shambolic defending by Iran, I might have to reconsider my prediction that the U.S. will finish behind them…. ⚽️
Currently reading: Trading Twelves: The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison and Albert Murray 📚
Charles Spurgeon: “I do not know that the prodigal saw his father, but his father saw him. The eyes of mercy are quicker than the eyes of repentance. Even the eye of our faith is dim compared with the eye of God’s love. He sees a sinner long before a sinner sees him.”
As an endlessly corrupt World Cup begins, the American college-sports-industrial complex says, “Hold my beer.”
“Not in word list.” Sigh. It’s not that esoteric a word!
