THIS WEEKEND

About that upcoming peace discussion in Switzerland between the USA and Iran, apparently, Veep JD Vance is now expected to leave today for Geneva.  That's good news.  But the skirmish between Israel and the Hezbollah in Lebanon is still festering, so much so that Iran just announced an intention to close the Strait of Hormuz.  Those are irritating developments.  Time magazine said when oil begins to flow through the Strait, it will still take months for gas prices to fall to pre-war levels.

On the other hand, both Russia and China essentially kept out of this Iran War.  And only 13 American service members, versus at least 3,468 Iranians, have been killed so far, at least 50 senior Iranian officials and military commanders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali-Khamenei.  Plus, no Iranian terroristic activity in the USA at all.  Also, 4,067 Lebanese casualties to 36 Israelis.

Yet, the Defense Department has spent $29 billion on this war, energy costs to U.S. customers have risen to $80 billion, and the Harvard-Kennedy School has reported that the economic impact to the American taxpayer will reach a trillion dollars.  All to get us, if these upcoming discussions actually succeed, to where the Obama administration was in the previous agreement with Iran....and most likely will be short of that.  Some pundit on TV, whose name I forgot, said something telling.  He joked that President Trump is in the midst of bargaining down the cost of a carpet being sold by a shrewd Iranian merchant, and Trump will think he made a great deal, when in reality his pocket will have been picked.

Missing playmaking star, Christian Pulisic, Soccer Team USA beat a good Australian side in Seattle yesterday, 2-0.  This is the very first time that the USA men have won successive World Cup games since 1930.  

With this victory, the U.S. won Group D and qualifies to the next knockout round, when the 48 teams get reduced to 32, and play will be from June 28 to July 3.  Final on July 19.  Team USA can take it easy against Turkiye on Thursday at SoFiStadium.  Further, Turkiye is already out of these games.  Another noteworthy game was Morocco scoring just 71 seconds into the game, and edging Scotland, 1-0.

Wonder why some games are held so late at night?  For example, tonight (really tomorrow) at midnight (EDT), Japan plays Tunisia in Mexico.   FIFA says it wants to maximize global viewing.  Sure, 1PM in Japan, but midnight EDT is 5AM in London and 6AM in Tunisia.  So that doesn't make much sense.  Another reason is that it is summer, and organizers want play at night if possible.  Yet half the matches are day games.  At least they have two hydration breaks.  Well, anyway, today:

Saturday, June 20

• Netherlands vs. Sweden (Houston), 1 p.m. ET 
•                                                      on FOX, Telemundo, Peacock, Fubo
• Germany vs. Ivory Coast (Toronto), 4 p.m. ET 
•                                                     on FOX, Telemundo, Peacock, Fubo
• Ecuador vs. Curaçao (Kansas City, Missouri), 8 p.m. ET 
•                                                    on FS1, Telemundo, Peacock, Fubo                              
• Japan vs. Tunisia (Monterrey, Mexico), 12 a.m. ET 
•                                                    on FS1, Telemundo, Peacock, Fubo

What is Fubo?  An American sports streaming television service.  Also carries films and news.  Not cheap, for plans range from $60 to $115 per month.

I haven't said much about the U.S. Open, which this week is being held at Shinnecock Hills.

• Shinnecock is the oldest incorporated country club in the USA.  Opened in 1891.  Has now hosted 10 USGA championships.
• About 91 miles east of New York, across Long Island in Southampton.  Not the British one.
• Wyndham Clark was ahead by 4 strokes when play began today, but dropped to one, then at his 7th hole back up to 3.
• Says Google AI.

Widely considered one of the greatest—and most punishing—tests in golf, Shinnecock Hills is a beast. Located in the Hamptons, the course's exposed coastal layout and notoriously fast, elevated greens have broken the spirits of even the best players in the world. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• 
  There is a notion that anyone can qualify to play in this tournament
• Not so, only any pro or highly skilled amateur.
• But the qualification gauntlet is grueling to earn one of the 156 spots.

Well, it's been a long news week, so I'll take it easy today.  Perhaps finally mention that there is a potential major typhoon forming in the West Pacific.  Doesn't look like much at this stage, but Tropical Storm Mekkhala (also called Francisco) formed east of the Philippines, becomes a typhoon today, and will strengthen at least into a Category 3 Typhoon.  Tracking models indicate that the eye will turn north as it approaches northern Philippines and miss Taiwan.  Next?   Still too early to tell, but Okinawa seems sure to be threatened.

To close, I go back 70 years and the #1 song of the day was Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley.  His first big hit song.  Also up there were The Wayward Wind by Gogi Grant and I'll Be Home by Pat Boone.

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