FC Dallas

I don't know how many keep up with Major League Soccer, but last night we hosted our first playoff soccer match in Frisco as FC Dallas played the Colorado Rapids. The game was tied after regulation and the Rapids won on a shootout 5-4 to advance to the Western Conference Finals. This was also the first shootout in MLS playoff history. The new stadium is about a 2 miles down the road but I haven't been out there yet for a game. I guess it will be next year before seeing a match played there.

World Series coming to Texas

So it's my 2nd favorite baseball team in Texas that made it to the big dance. I will root for the Astros in this years World Series. I also predict that there will be a no-hitter thrown in the series, making this one of the most memorable Series in history.

In my lifetime, the 2001 World Series was by far the most rivoting in my opinion. When the Diamondbacks took out the Yankees in 7 games, This after the Yankees came from behind to win 2 straight games in the last inning of games 4 & 5. You can't beat playoff baseball. I've gone to all 4 playoff games in Arlington only to see the Yankees win all four games in the only 3 years the Rangers have ever made the playoffs.
The atmosphere was incredible and will remain my favorite sports moment until the Rangers make the World Series or win a home playoff game. Heck, I'd be happy with more than 1 win in a playoff series.

Over Reaction

Here in Dallas the past week we received absolutely no rain from the latest hurricane to hit the gulf coast. Predictions ranged from 12 inches or more, including flooding in many areas. Gas was running low and water couldn't be found at any of the grocery stores near me. I believe the wind might have picked up on Saturday evening by about 10 MPH but that was about it. I would have liked a little rain but I guess it wasnt in the cards. Seems many of the Houston folks who evacuated to here are able to head back home now. I don't envy that drive. Usually a 5 hour drive is taking upwards of 20 hours. Saw an SUV on Monday with 3 gas containers strapped to the roof.

Gas shortage

I needed gas in the truck this morning and filled up at $2.69 per gallon. This evening I was on the way home and saw 3 gas stations completely out of gas. The others that still had gas were packed full of people filling up. This was at 10:30pm tonight. I understand why everyone believes they need to top it off, but I feel that it has created a panic in people who believe we will not have gas come next week or prices will skyrocket. I guess either is unpredictable and its better to be safe than sorry. I have talked to many folks around Dallas who just arrived from the Houston area and saw station after station with no gas. So maybe the influx of people will consume all the gas left around here too. Latest says Houston & Galveston may not take a direct. We shall see.

Heat

I've spent the past 3 day working outside in the heat. 100+ degrees on 2 of the days building a wooden playground for the kids. I can't imagine how construction workers make it day after day out there. They playground with fort, slide & swings turned out great. We will be spending many an evening in the backyard I would imagine.

Eric Clapton & Robert Johnson

I came across a PBS special of Eric Clapton covering the music of Robert Johnson, a blues singer of the 20's and it was pretty cool. The music from Johnson definately had a dramatic effect on all music from the 20th century. Clapton credits a lot of his sound to Johnson and even went to an old studio in Downtown Dallas to record in the same building Johnson recorded at in 1929. The building is now empty & deserted but the sounds were great. If you like blues, check out Claptons Me & Mr. Johnson.

New Orleans

My thoughts & prayers go out to those who lost their lives, homes, and families from Hurricane Katrina.

I'm still amazed at how many people live in dangerous areas that are destined to be a disaster area. Earthquakes & Hurricanes are somewhat predictable in that we know where they could potentially hit, but many people continue to build near the gulf coast despite having options of building anywhere in the country. Then the folks who live in near faults in California are mind boggling to me. Your going to sell me property and a house near a fault line and for good measure it will cost me 5x as much as my house would cost here in Texas. Sign me up.

I have friends & family who live in both these scenarios and have said this to them. They agree and know the potential disasters but would rather enjoy the surroundings they have.
I guess it comes down to a difference of opinion.

Mavericks Sign Doug Christie

Maverick fans now have to put up with Christie's secret hand signals to his wife during 82 games this year. How crazy is he? At least he'll play more defense than Michael Finley could and maybe even do more than a jump shot on offense.

Official Website for DMWT

Here is the official Dont Mess With Texas Website.
Don't Mess With Texas

The Protest of the President

Have you seen the protesting near the President's ranch in Crawford, TX. While certainly agree to the freedom of speech, I wonder how effective camping outside in the country this long would be. I have great respect for those who fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate price. I also think the protesters have made their point and at this time they are just becoming annoying. Do they expect to completely pull out of Iraq and leave business unfinished. Most families I have spoken to are in support of our troops remaining there until their job is done.