The U.S. was down 2-0, but fought back to tie 2-2 against Slovenia in a game that will be remembered for the Referee making a horrible call that stole victory from the Americans. While the three points were stolen, the tie gives the U.S. an excellent chance to advance out of the group stage. Plus, the U.S. certainly impressed with their determination and fire in coming back to save their World Cup hopes.

Still, the Americans were screwed. One wonders if President Barack Obama will force FIFA to put $20 billion into an escrow account to help out Americans that are suffering from the referee’s brutally bad call.

–WKW [Read more]

Ron Artest enjoys his first NBA Championship as the Lakers finally beat the Celtics in a Game 7. [Read more]

The Good news? You can live forever. The Bad News? You’ll have to be a jellyfish to pull it off. [Read more]

Brazil fan Zé Aparecido was pensive during the first half of Brazil-North Korea World Cup match. [Read more]

“Would you just stop it with the forsaking already?” [Read more]

SOUTH AFRICA – Faced with a barrage of bad press about the endless drone of vuvuzelas during World Cup matches, South African President Jacob Zuna today announced that he will ban the horn-like instrument, provided the Western world stop exploiting Africa.

“It’s a fair trade,” said Zuna. “The world can watch World Cup games in peace, and Africa can stop being exploited. Totally win-win scenario.” [Read more]

Was Chuck Liddell getting knocked cold worth it for Dana White and the UFC? [Read more]

They say a tie is like kissing your sister. Of course, those saying that are a bunch of sick, sister-kissing freaks, so it may just be best to ignore them, especially when it comes to the U.S. National Soccer team holding mighty England to a draw in the 2010 World Cup. [Read more]

A time of great joy turned tragic for Nelson Mandela, as his great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash just prior to the opening of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Read more here. [Read more]

Some times you just have to rub the lion. More on this story (in Portuguese) here. [Read more]

(Soldiers rescue survivors during D-Day, 66 years ago today. Click here for more photos.) [Read more]

News

BP Makes Progress – No One Believes Them: The news from British Petroleum is increasingly positive, but at this stage of the game, everything they say must be taken with an oil-soaked grain of sand. [Read more]

Now that the NFL has decreed that un-litigated rape is worthy a four-to-six-week suspension along with a “comprehensive behavioral evaluation by professionals,” the future of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is becoming slightly clearer.

From my perspective, there is only one way Roethlisberger should be allowed to stay with the Steelers – he has to go all in. Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t just need his mind tested, he needs his mettle as a person tested. Because on the field, Roethlisberger is fearless. Off the field, he’s a coward. [Read more]

2:05:52? You've got to be kidding me! 2:08:41 is only good for fourth place?

That's amazing. Two American men run sub 2:10 marathons, and that gets them fourth and fifth? Tough, tough race.

Let me say congratulations to Robert Cheruiyot the Younger for absolutely smashing the Boston course record set by his namesake, Robert Cheruiyout  the Slightly Older. That's an amazing achievement, and a great day for Boston and for sport. Congratulations are also in order for women's champ Teyba Erkesso, in her first Boston ever. Well done!

But at the same time, let me also express my distress that Ryan Hall broke the American record at the Boston Marathon today, and still came in fourth, with Meb Keflezighi behind him in fifth. That's heartbreaking. [Read more]

AUGUSTA – Following a thrilling Masters tournament that saw Phil Mickelson win his third Green Jacket, Masters Chairman Billy Payne spoke out about U.S. Senator John McCain. Once known as a “Maverick,” (McCain has since denied he was ever a maverick), McCain has a long history of adultery, including having an extra-marital affair while married to his first wife.

Payne’s comments were direct and to the point: [Read more]

As speculation grows about a potential 2012 Presidential run, ex-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich has teamed up with Nike to produce an advertisement meant to both soften the controversial Republican’s image, as well as sell his new line of products, available at Nike. [Read more]

LAS VEGAS – The golfing world is buzzing as two of the world’s most important golfers – Tiger Woods and William K. Wolfrum returned to the game of golf on Thursday. Woods shot a first-round 68 at the Masters in Augusta, Ga., while Wolfrum shot a 99 at Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock in Las Vegas.

“It’s just great to be back,” said Wolfrum, a sometimes golf blogger and golf writer. “It feels like I’ve been away forever. [Read more]

The public shaming of Tiger Woods is apparently never going to end. Too many people are drunk on the feeling of moral authority they get by scolding him. The chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club decided to dress Woods down during the chairman's annual speech, complaining that the golfer “disappointed all of us, and more importantly, our kids and our grandkids.” Meanwhile, a columnist from the Washington Post is arguing that Woods "doesn't deserve to win" the Masters, apparently because the columnist feels more penance is in order. How much more? Stupid question. It will never end. [Read more]

The Alma Mater Society at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., has just cancelled a campus fundraiser for a local foodbank. The problem: the event would have involved students donning sumo suits and wrestling each other. A few similar events have already been staged at the university. Here are photos:

http://www.pbase.com/parpho/image/119537016 [Read more]

FLORIDA – Entering an already crowded field of contenders, golfer Tiger Woods today announced that he will be running for the U.S. Senate Seat in Florida.

“Responsibility,” said Woods. “Dignity.” [Read more]