The Women's World Cup Finals

The Finals, between Japan and The United States, will kickoff at 3:45am on Monday Japanese time. Are you going to wake up and watch it? I wouldn't miss it for the world!

And everyone is asking me, "Glenn, who are you rooting for?" So please let me set the record straight. I am rooting for Japan. But if America wins, I will also be happy. So, for me, it is a Win-Win situation. And I was really excited to just sit back and watch the game just for the sake of pure enjoyment. But then, last night while I was eating dinner, my wife suddenly blurted out, "Hey baldie, you wanna bet on the game? I want America." She is a gambler. Usually I refrain from such sketchy activity, but this time I obliged, because I want to make her happy. So, I said "Sure, I'll take Japan, what do you want to bet?" And she said "If America wins, you have to give me a one hour massage. And if Japan wins, I will give you two bottles of Awamori(=Okinawan Shochu). OK?" So I said, "Sure. It's a deal."

As of now the odds in Las Vegas are 2:1, America is favored to win the game. On a side note, did you know that Japan has never beaten American in women's soccer? They have played over 24 times...Well, there is a first for everything!!! I hope...

And, the other day when I spoke to Luis, he brought up an interesting point. He said
"Why do you think everyone was so excited for the men's world cup soccer, but everyone is not so wild about the women's soccer. It sure seems like there is a big difference of 'excitement level' don't you think?" I replied, "Yeah, you are right. I guess it is just because it is women's soccer..."

And the latest news from ESPN( a major sports network in America) is that " the Japanese Team is playing for all of Japan", and that "the workers at TEPCO are watching the game and getting inspiration from each victory", and that "the Finals will be a battle of a difference in culture as well as soccer styles..."

As they say, "may the best woman win!"