Time for me to jump off topic for a quick second and write about Sunday's FIFA World Cup match. First off, I'm psyched Italy won for plenty of reasons, one of whichhas to do with me deciding the Italian players were by far the best looking guys in the tourney (Yes, I know I'm supposed to be a professional, but jeez, I'm still a girl).

I just can't resist weighing on the whole Zidane issue, which I had gotten over until the subject was reopened while I was at the office today and my co-sports reporter Matt and hashed it out.

Yes, Zidane is perhaps one of the best players of the game, but that does not mean he has license to lose control whenever he feels like it. Look, I don't care what Marco Materazzi said-and trust me, I've heard the different theories: something about Zidane's mother, his sister or calling him a terrorist. Heck, I even heard the one about Materazzi giving Zidane a '****** tweak'-you don't just randomly head-butt the guy in the chest and put your team in jeopardy like that.

Bad move by someone who's supposed to be the team leader. We all know the outcome could've been much different had he been around during the shootout.

Alls well that ends well, I guess; Zidane wins the Golden Ball while the Italians-oh those good looking stallions-take home the big prize.

Okay back to baseball, though I would like to hear thoughts on this too.....

Ok, I know I said-oops, I mean wrote- I'd blog more often and keep things updated more but hte wonderful world of MiLB.com is just keeping me so busy.

But seriously, I've still been watching the Sox regularly and still been forming opinions, just not sharing them with you all. So here goes, it's the All-Star break and we're 3 games up. It's not the same as being 13 games up, but it's no surprise and we Sox fans know all too well what it's like to be strong in the first-half and fall flat on our faces post-All-Star break.

As for the Manny controversy, here's the deal. Yes, I know it's a big deal to the fans to see him play because it's such an honor to be selected, but and here's a big BUT, who say's it's mandatory?! No one, there is no rule that says players must play in the Classic if chosen, so quit the whining and just be glad the Sox didn't let MLB know the night before the game, causing some other player to mess his three-days-off plans.

Seriously, Selig needs to stop complaining about Manny's choice not to play and concentrate on cleaning up the sport. You've got bigger problems Bud, so leave Manny alone and go after the juicers for a bit.

Besides with all the cable advancements these days, it's not like people all over the country don't get a chance to watch players outside their areas play. It's called the internet folks! So stop with the "But the All-Star game is my only chance to see the best players from other teams," excuse because it's not anymore!

Ok, I have more thoughts on other things so I'll just start a new post....