Rambling about Stranger Things, Phelps, and Soccer

Stranger Things

I binge watched episodes 4–6 yesterday and they do not disappoint. This is a really good show and so far it has been hitting all the right notes to make it a classic. The nostalgia, the music, the fact that each of the three storylines are interesting and have well developed and evolving characters is just wonderful. The only thing that has upset me about this show so far is that I don’t have time to watch it all at once. Each episode is like a game of Civilization – I always want one more. I was so frustrated last night when at 11:45 pm, episode 6 finished. I knew I didn’t have time to watch another episode and get enough rest for work, but I was really tempted.

Michael Phelps

This guy is unbelievable. To have attained and maintained such a high level of skill, ability, and talent for so long is just incredible. 28 medals – 23 gold – unprecedented, and the likelihood of anyone matching or surpassing this feat is pretty minuscule. I think this number will stand until drugs are allowed in the Olympics similar to what happened in baseball where Hank Aaron’s 755 HRs stood until the drug enhanced Barry Bonds passed him (not even drug enhanced Alex Rodriguez could pass 700). Phelps has definitely made history and is one of the all-time best athletes.

Why Soccer is not a favorite of Americans

I think the Rio Olympics has also come to epitomize the reason Americans don’t like soccer. Not only is the game low or no scoring, but teams actively play (or don’t play) to not score. Having a game at the level of the Olympics determined by a few lucky kicks after 90+ minutes of running around is pretty much a reason NOT to like anything.

Why waste the time – just line everyone up and give them a shot on goal – whoever gets the most wins – now that sounds like an Olympic sport to me, and one people would love to watch on TV.

Don’t get me wrong – I love soccer – or rather I love the game, not the penalty kick BS that the game turns into. It’d be like getting rid of the shot clock (that was put in place because teams would just play to waste time) in basketball, and then when the game is tied at 20 because it’s just keep-away, whoever makes the most free throws wins. I don’t really think Lebron James would be making $100 million if that was the game. At least not in America.