Newmark's Door

The World Cup starts next week . . .

. . . so here are two interesting pieces:

"The 10 best ever World Cup goals: Diego Maradona and Pele feature but which goal is No 1 in Sportsmail’s list of amazing goals from the tournament?"

I'd rank Bergkamp's goal higher. So pretty. And the commentary is--in a crowded field--the happiest I've ever heard.

"From England's 1966 triumph to Brazil's 7-1 thrashing by Germany in 2014, Sportsmail counts down the 10 greatest World Cup games".

My older daughter and I watched Germany-Brazil in real time, we were rooting for Germany, and it was a heck of a lot of fun.

"NHL’s Golden Knights and 13 More Improbable Long-Shot Winners"

Some real longshots--including NC State over Houston in '83--listed here.

"Stay Messi, My Friend"

Almost nothing drives a journalist as crazy as a famous person who won't talk to them much.

"Southern Cross"

Crosby, Stills & Nash.

"The Rolling Stones thrilled fans with the first London show of their No Filter tour . . . so how does 'snake hips' Sir Mick Jagger, 74, stay SO energetic?"

The Stones, ages 76, 74, 74, and 70, are still rockin' and rollin'.

"The Firesign Theater Media"

Come to think of it, the modern media do seem like Firesign Theater. Good call.

"A primer on fentanyl(s)"

Some bad news.

So that’s why the fentanyls are a big factor now when they weren’t before. And I don’t see a snowball’s chance in Hell of stopping the flow. It’s possible that, with adequate urging from the U.S., the Chinese authorities might succeed in cracking down on illicit manufacture and sale. But there’s nothing magical about China. India also has skilled chemists and a huge flow of mail to the U.S.  So, for that matter, does Canada. And so does the U.S.; if international sources dry up, the stuff will, once again, be made here.

On top of that, the “technology” of illicit retail drug distribution has been transformed by the introduction of mobile phones.

Link via Marginal Revolution.

"Brits are stealing millions of dollars in groceries by ringing everything up as carrots"

Would barcodes on produce be the answer?

IHOB?

The International House of Pancakes--called affectionately IHOP by almost all of its customers--will supposedly change its name next week.

Maybe: "Are we all falling for a massive PR stunt that ends up being a hoax?"

"Why Can't We Remember Our Dreams?"

My wife remembers a few, but it's been a long time since I have.