As that last one make a brief mention of, soccer (there's nothing wrong with calling it soccer in this country) has really grabbed the attention of the world lately. Well, it always has the attention of the world, but right now it has the attention of the world's "leading" country. As the most populous country in this year's World Cup, the US theoretically should have the most support. However, this seems to have only been the case very recently...since Wednesday morning to be exact.

Landon Donovan's goal was truly one of those watershed moments that makes sports so relevant. Yes, it is just a game and yes, it was being played literally around the globe from the US population, but people are looking for something to be happy and proud about these days. Even though oil still gushes into the Gulf of Mexico and generals are still being replaced in Afghanistan, the US has found a reason for this.

Just as ABC's Wild World of Sports extolled, with the thrill of victory comes the agony of defeat. The World Cup has provided striking examples of that as well. To whit:

-North Korean players potentially being sent to work in state-owned coal mines upon their return home after a terrible performance in South Africa?

-The French national team returning as a disgrace to their country and potentially subject to physical violence at the hands of their countrymen?

So yes, the US is riding high right about now, so its important to get this posted before their next match tomorrow against Ghana. All those skeptics that thought soccer was nothing more than 90 minutes of pretty boys not scoring any goals have been trumped by a pretty boy scoring a goal after 90 minutes of play had already elapsed without a single goal. Everyone is OK with that right now and that itself is OK right now.

Finally, let it be known that while soccer might not be able to clean up the Gulf or find Osama, it is trying to start with domestic issues, although with somewhat mixed results.

Signs you're getting old:

1. True Blood comes on at 8pm, yet True Blood comes on too late because its a Sunday night.

2. Guilt causes you to go for a run in 95 degree weather, even though the guilt was brought on by something as mundane as almonds.

3. Sunday morning trips to the grocery store are quite fulfilling.

4. A perfectly good weekend night can be soured because you insist on checking work email.

5. Hanging out with your boss past midnight is an acceptable way to spend a Friday night.

6. You decide to spend a sunny afternoon watching exclusively German-language films on Netflix Instant.

7. The NBA Finals are over and you could care less, even though the world would be a better place if the Lakers didn't win and validate the celebrity groupies that make watching their games feel like an episode of Access Hollywood.

7b. You know, despite this year's strong ratings, the NBA Finals used to be amazing. It fits with the theme of this list/entry to say that things just aren't like they were back in the day. For pure excitement and showmanship, Kobe just isn't Jordan and Rajon Rondo is really the only guy on the Celtics that is remotely interesting. If only Pau Gasol played on a different team, he could be in the discussion for favorite NBA player.

8. The World Cup is incredibly interesting, but not necessarily because of your past or present interest in soccer, but the political and socio-economic dynamic at play. Not to mention the fact that you can wake up at 7am and watch it live.

9. You voluntarily go into work on a Saturday morning and actually think of the benefits more so than the negatives of doing so.

10. You blog about this sort of stuff.