The 4th and World Cup 2006

My time is moving so fast (which will probably be a running theme). The fireworks in Portsmouth were good. The fireworks in Boston were UN-FUCKING REAL. We started the day in Fanieul Hall at a pub watching the end of Italia vs. Dutschland. Great game that finished with 2 crazy goals in double OT propelling Italia to a finals berth. Then Jacob and I watched a street performer who was having a bad day and sadly, thats just as fun if he were having a good day. We decided to head to the esplanade in the early evening. We camped out in the middle of 500,000 people on the banks of the Charles River. We listened to Rockapella (yes, they did the theme to Carmen Sandiego), and then Kool Kieth Lockheart and the Boston Pops kicked a little 1812 Overture ass. Bostons own Steven Tyler and Joe Perry showed up to do "Don't Want To Miss A Thing", "Dream On", and "Walk This Way". Sweet. Then the fireworks. WOW. Halfway through the set at the end of "Dirty Water" (all the fireworks were set to music and this song is the anthem for Red Sox Nation as its played after every home win) the end of the barge shooting the fireworks off in the middle of the Charles caught on fire. It was small enough not to stop the show but big enough to make 500,000 people not say "ohh" and "ahh" for a minute. The finale was spectacular, spectacular and then the long drive to NH ensued.

I've spent a lot of time in Nottingham lately as a result of not being allowed in Plaistow, my usual headquarters, because Peter, Jacobs father and homeowner, wanted some QT with his lady friend Brenda. So Jacobs Moms house it is. It's in the middle of nowhere which means that for the past few days I've slept better than a good secret. We had a BBQ the other night with a kind of World Cup theme. We bought a small futbol goal and a World Cup futbol to go with it. We also got some alcohol. I won't recount everything but I will say that there is a gigantic lump on my shin.

The final is in a matter of hours and I'm pretty excited. Futbol is the worlds game and I had no idea for so long. I'm bringing the futbol that I bought the other day to Africa as well as a few more that I plan to buy. America has never really embraced the sport past high school and soccer moms but it's high time.

peace