Trump and Iran plus World Cup thoughts...........
Thursday, July 09, 2026
Does anybody really know what time it is?
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Let me congratulate the U.S. team for giving us two fun weeks of soccer. It did not end well, but it was fun. In the end, they have a lot of learning to do:
Team USA has been bundled out of its home World Cup in devastating fashion, hammered 4-1 by Belgium.
American striker Folarin Balogun started the match after a highly controversial intervention by Donald Trump saw his ban deferred.
However, the striker and his teammates could do little to stop the European heavyweights from teaching them a lesson they won’t forget.
Charles De Ketelaere scored early to give Belgium the lead before the U.S. equalized after a free kick deflected off the wall into the back of the net.
De Ketelaere would then head home less than two minutes later to reclaim Belgium’s lead.
A howler from American goalkeeper Matt Freese then ended all hopes of a comeback in the second half before Romelu Lukaku put the icing on the cake with a quality late goal to give them a massive win and book a place in the quarterfinals.
Yes, the dream is over, and I wonder how many of us are now going to watch a lot more of the tournament. I am not sure, but I will likely watch highlights. It's hard for me to drop everything and watch a game I still don't understand.
As a Cuban kid growing up in the U.S., I watched and played baseball and then fell in love with what my parents called "futbol americano." For a little context, every Cuban kid loves baseball. In our family's case, we landed in the U.S., were relocated to Wisconsin, and watched Bart Starr and the Packers win titles. It was easy to love "futbol americano" with a team like that.
I mention all of this because soccer, or real "futbol" as they tell me, is relatively new to me. I admire the athletes, and the game can be very intense. Nevertheless, it's still hard for me to watch the game and not remember that great song by Chicago: "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?"
Yes, can someone explain the clock? You are watching a game, and then they go into "stoppage time," say seven minutes, but it suddenly becomes 10 or 11 minutes. Who determines this, and why are fans the last to know?
Maybe there is a logical explanation, but it'd be easier for me to have one clock where the referee on the field can connect with an official clock on the board for a better idea of what's going on.
Can FIFA consider my simple request? Can we have an idea of when the game is over? We have the technology to do it, and all we need is for FIFA to use it.
Again, congratulations to Team USA, but can someone tell me what time it is?
P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos
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Click to read: https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/07/does-anybody-really-know-what-time-it-is/
1962: Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the wind"
Bob Dylan recorded "Blowin' in the wind" in July '62:
"Dylan's recording of "Blowin' In The Wind" would first be released nearly a full year later, on his breakthrough album, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. This was not the version of the song that most people would first hear, however. That honor went to the cover version by Peter, Paul and Mary—a version that not only became a smash hit on the pop charts, but also transformed what Dylan would later call "just another song" into the unofficial anthem of the civil rights movement."
Dylan was a great songwriter but his recordings are OK. I am not one of those who pops a Dylan CD and enjoys the whole thing.
At the same time, no one does "Mr Tambourine Man" or "Like a rolling stone" like Dylan. I guess that "Positively 4th street" is pretty good too.
It is still a great song 50-plus years later specially when Peter, Paul & Mary sing it. It is the best version of the song but Joan Baez is a close second.
Wednesday, July 08, 2026
World Cup now, Netflix and Little House, Maine is a Democrat problem and McArthur takes over in Korea 1950.
World Cup now, Netflix and Little House, Maine is a Democrat problem and McArthur takes over in Korea 1950.
Maybe they like Laura Ingalls and a young George better
Maybe they like Laura Ingalls and a young George better:
Spoiler alert: THEY DO!
Maybe it’s a coincidence, but Laura of “Little House” fame is up, and that “girl boss” Supergirl can’t sell tickets. Maybe it’s nothing, or perhaps the people making movies are finally listening to the people who buy tickets.
Click to read:
Happy # 85 Ken Sanders
We say happy birthday to Ken Sanders who was born in St. Louis, MO, on this day in 1941.
Ken broke with the A's in 1964 and won 6 games in 1966.
However, his career really took off in Milwaukee in 1970. In 3 seasons with the Brewers, Ken became one of the best bullpen men in the game: 61 saves & 2.21 ERA.
All together, Ken pitched 10 seasons and played for various teams. His best 3 years were with Milwaukee, 1970-72.
P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.
1950: General Douglas MacArthur and Korea
Tuesday, July 07, 2026
The week in review with Bill Katz, the editor of Urgent Agenda
Guest: Bill Katz, the editor of Urgent Agenda. The Democrats have a Maine problem. Mayor Mamdani's July 4th speech. Partisan July 4th? Whatever happened to Iran? Happy # 86 Ringo.....
How Shapiro blew it
How Shapiro blew it:
Governor Josh Shapiro missed a big moment, and he may regret it when the woke mob overwhelms him again.
Click to read:
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/07/how-shapiro-blew-it/
We remember Bill Melton (1945-2024)
Question: What sluggers won AL HR titles in the 1970's?
The answer is Frank Howard, Dick Allen (twice), Reggie Jackson (twice), George Scott, Graig Nettles, Jim Rice (twice), Gorman Thomas and Bill Melton.
Wonder how many of you named Bill Melton of the Chicago White Sox?
Bill Melton broke with the White Sox in 1968 and showed some power with 23 HR & 85 RBI in second year. He led the AL in HR in 1971 with 33 HR.
His numbers fell off after that and he retired with 160 HR & 591 RBI. Melton played third for most of his career.
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