Don't have much to say about it, other than he's the obvious (and easy) scapegoat.  I fear Gulati will find it very difficult to hire a better replacement.  I'd be shocked if they could actually convince Klinsmann to take the reins.  I'd be less shocked if they were able to nab Marcelo Lippi.  

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6812931/bob-bradley-dismissed-us-men-soccer-national-team-coach

UPDATE: The choice is Jurgen Klinsmann.  http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2011/07/klinsmann-hired-as-usmnt-coach.html

I'll have more to say on the subject later today (for anyone who's interested).  For now, I'll say that it surprises me Gulati and Klinsmann were finally able to see eye to eye regarding the role of the senior team manager.  I think most folks will assume that Gulati changed his position, but I'm not sure that's the case.  This move leaves Reyna in charge of youth development, and I think Reyna still answers to Gulati, not Jurgi.  We shall see.  

Never doubt the persuasiveness of a good Chewbacca defense, ladies and gentlemen.  I'm not sure what the maximum penalty for lying to a law enforcement is in Florida, but I'm confident Ms. Anthony will receive it.  Query whether a jury of Ms. Anthony's peers understands that one can find a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt even if the charges agains her are based solely on circumstantial evidence.  Query also whether popular television portrayals of "circumstantial" cases have made those sorts of cases much more difficult to prosecute.  

Here's a good preview from Jonathan Wison: How best for Man U to combat Barca?

I agree with most of what Wilson says with one big exception: I think he's dead wrong with the final bit about how to neutralize Alves.  Alves isn't going to pick up the ball at midfield and run at defenders, beating them with 1v1 dribbling moves.  He's going to be in the final third when he gets the ball; so, not only isn't it imperative to put a defensive-minded winger on him, it's entirely useless to do so.  

The quality of defender isn't going to influence Alves; but the quality of attacker on the other side may.  Alves will put in his defensive work if forced to do so.  History has sown that he will play further downfield (at least marginally) against a strong attacking threat.  As such, I think Ferguson should play Nani on the left side, rather than Park.  Park would be more useful in the center, where his defensive industry would pay greater dividends.  Park has also become a more creative attacking threat over the past year and has played in the center of a 4-2-3-1 for Man U in big games this season.  

Of course, to do this, Rooney would need play alone up top.  He wouldn't have Hernandez's pace to stretch the defense and open up room for him in between the lines.  It's that quality of Man U's game that may in fact prove to be more important than any of the defensive tactics at issue.  If I'm Ferguson, I give up on the idea of shutting Barca out or getting anywhere near them in terms of possession.  I dance with who brung us, and that is high-energy attacking.  I put the best passers on the field to get the ball to the best attackers.  That means a 4-4-2 with Scholes and Giggs (maybe Fletcher) together, Nani and Valencia on the outside for the good crosses and 1v1s, with Hernandez and Rooney up to (obvioulsy with Rooney frequently dropping off).  

That means Barca scores one at least, probably two.  But I take my chances that I can score two or three with that lineup.  

All of this talk about fine single-malt scotches got me to thinking about my favorite classic cocktails.  The options in the poll below comprise an incomplete list, but I think this covers 10 of the most popular, classic cocktails.  

If any of you have a homemade concoction that you'd like to share, please do so.  I'd also suggest that you tell us where to get the best version of the cocktail you've voted as your favorite.